Coyote pack proves fascinating as neighbours by Michael Gregory Oakville Beaver Staff 5 | Thursday, January 8, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com A pack of coyotes burrowed just beyond your fence line would make anyone fearful, but for one Oakville family observing the predators at such a close range has been intriguing to say the least. The wild animals started frequenting the wood lot beyond Dale Powell's fenced backyard in the south end of Glen Abbey in November. "We are riveted," Powell said, estimating that there could be up to four coyotes. "I think we now spend every waking minute that we're there staring out looking for these things." The only concern is for the family's shih tzu; especially after a school mate of Powell's daughter had a puppy snatched from her own backyard. The Town has advised him that the coyotes can clear an almost two-metre fence with ease --slightly shorter than what he has installed at the moment. "I won't do them any harm, I just wished they weren't camped out by our back fence where I've got a dog," he said. In October, a Burlington resident's backyard security camera captured a coyote violently shaking a King Charles Spaniel before eventually fleeing. Still, he said the coyotes play a vital role in the ecosystem and having these sorts of unique Oakville resident Dale Powell took these photos of coyotes who have taken up residence in a woodlot just behind his south Glen Abbey home. The proximity of the coyotes has proved more fascinating than unnerving for Powell and his family. | photos courtesy Dale Powell interactions with nature is all part of living near a creek bed. In 2012, the Town developed a program to educate and address the public's interactions with coyotes -- including an online reporting system and no feeding bylaw amendment. A fact-sheet on the Town's website notes that rodents are approximately 80 per cent of coyotes' diet. The animals are also only fertile for two to four weeks in mid-winter. "They're quite fascinating," Powell said. "It's quite amazing that there's wild animals living in an urban setting." INJURED? I Can Help! All windshield,door & back glass in stock YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY UNLESS I GET YOU MONEY My team of experienced lawyers can help you with: · Car accidents · Slip and Falls · Disability Claims (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, CPP) · Wrongful Dismissal OFFICES IN OAKVILLE AND TORONTO For a free consultation call: Oakville: 905.842.2022 or Toronto: 416.351.9222 email: sspadafora@slspc.ca Certified Auto Glass Technicians with 22 years of experience We pay up to 100% of insurance Deductible · We deal directly with your Insurance Company · Life time Warranty against leaks · Stone chip repairs · Free Mobile Service · Free Pickup & Drop OFF d rs n this a Mentio dshield wipe in w e dels e o r F m t d and ge s to most make an Applie 281 Speers Road Oakville ON 905.339.0339 1.855.339.0339 www.speersautoglass.ca n El iza be ye th cr W of ay tR d Injury and Employment Law Sp ee r sR rv al Dr oa d Sam Spadafora Ke rr St ee Qu Do . W