Oromocto NB residents warned after coyote attacks

[Peter Emberley]

Oromocto town officials are warning residents to be aware of coyote after reports of three recent attacks on small dogs.  

 The Department of Natural Resources is investigating the attacks but staff have not been able to spot the animals.  

 While the three small dogs who were victims of the coyote attacks survived, the town’s mayor is still warning pet owners to protect their animals.  

 "Maybe our problem is that people are leaving food out around their homes for their pets and that's attracting them to come. So don’t leave food out,” said Mayor Fay Tidd.   “And, of course, the main thing is to keep pets inside or be with them outside if you're taking them out for a walk.”  

 The town is advising anyone who sees a coyote to keep a safe distance and behave aggressively by waving their arms, shouting or throwing rocks.  

 Tidd said it's not the first time coyotes have attacked animals in the town but they seem to have grown bolder.  

"A few years ago, we had a lot of attacks on cats, but this is the first I know that they've actually attacked fair-size dogs. And it's alarming,” she said.