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•T h e IF P • H al to n H ill s •T hu rs da y, N ov em be r 2 7, 2 01 4 6 OPINION It's not all that uncommon to hear about coyotes snatching up smaller dogs left unattended. But the wild dogs are getting more brazen. In Mississauga, a Yorkshire Terrier was walking on-leash with its owner when a coyote dashed into the street to carry it off. There are also reports of at least two people in Brampton being bitten by what is believed to be a coyote. Locally, The Town of Halton Hills is telling resi- dents to be cautious in natural areas such as Hungry Hollow and the Bruce Trail. This is highly unusual behaviour for coyotes, which generally avoid people. They are described as shy, cautious and non-confrontational, although they can be curi- ous and experimental. It is so rare, in fact, that according to Toronto Wildlife Centre executive director Nathalie Karvonen, there has only been one confirmed coyote attack on humans in Toronto's history. There are far more dog attacks than coyote attacks. If these recent attacks are coyote-related, clearly something is making them more daring. The eastern coyote is a hybrid between the smaller western coyote and eastern wolf. They are a highly adaptable species, which is why they can be found in rural areas as well as suburban and urban centres. Rabies is rare in coyotes in Ontario, the ministry notes, and coyotes might actually help reduce the incidence of rabies because they often prey on foxes, a species more likely to carry the disease. It is incumbent upon residents to ensure we are not inviting coyotes into our residential areas. Coyotes should never be fed, pet food and water should be kept inside, trash cans should be covered, large amounts of bird seed shouldn't be left out on lawns and rotted fruit should be cleared off the ground. If you encounter a coyote stand tall, wave your arms, and yell at the coyote, approaching him if necessary, until he runs away. Never run away. 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The Independent & Free Press Be coyote wise Letters to the editor Do you think snow tires on vehicles should become mandatory during winter months in Ontario? • Yes (60%) • No (40%) WEB POLL RESULTS (Go to www.theifp.ca) 905-873-0301 Publisher: Dana Robbins General manager: Steve Foreman (sforeman@theifp.ca) Retail advertising manager: Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@theifp.ca) Managing editor: Chris Vernon (cvernon@metroland.com) Distribution manager: Nancy Geissler (ngeissler@theifp.ca) Classifieds/Real Estate Kristie Pells (classified@theifp.ca or realestate@theifp.ca) Classified Call Centre 1-855-415-8237 haltonhillsclassads@metroland.com Accounting 1-866-773-6575 Editorial Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@theifp.ca) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@theifp.ca) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@theifp.ca) Get the latest headlines delivered to your inbox by signing up for our twice weekly electronic newsletter. Go to www.theifp.ca and click on 'Newsletter sign-up' at the bottom of the homepage. I have been waiting and hoping columnist Ted Brown would return. When I saw that he was running for council, I decided we would nev- er see his column in print again. While I wish Ted the very best of luck with Halton Hills Council, I cannot figure out how he will find time for a column but personally I will take whatever written word of his I can get. Georgetown needs Ted's musings, it is what makes your paper great. Welcome back Ted. Long time coming. Judi Wroblewski, Georgetown This letter is a belated but sincere thank you to the anonymous person who found my lost wallet and deliv- ered it to my doorstep. Whoever you are, please accept my heartfelt thanks. Your kindness has been paid for- ward. Carlo Toccalino, Georgetown I would like to pass on some advice to people on how to open their doors in the winter. Apparently this doesn't seem to be common knowledge. I of- ten see a lot of people in parking lots with total disregard on how they open their doors, and can't figure out what is so hard about it. When the weather is very, very windy, as of late, common sense would tell you that as you open the door, you should grab it so that it doesn't cause damage to your fellow Georgetownians cars. If you fail to do this courtesy you should either wait for the person to come back to the car if you can, or if you can't leave a note with your name, number or at least an apology. Imagine my coming home Nov. 19 after shopping at Global Pets to see that my side mirror is now cracked and missing a rather large piece and the side of my door now has a won- derful dent and "your" paint on it. Thanks so much for your kindness as you exited your driver's side and let your door fling open. I have taken very good care of my car, and normally try to park as far away as I can from other cars but at this time of the year it gets harder. Debra Hayes, Georgetown Reader's wish comes true Show some car courtesy Thanks for being kind Letters must include the author's name, address and daytime phone number. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 150 words and may be edited for con- tent and/or length. Publication is not guaranteed. Email: cvernon@metroland.com Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 77, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1. Letters policy