Wellington North may soon give consideration to a coyote bounty in the near future.
Council recently reviewed correspondence of licensed trappers Dan and Bob Radpjcin, of Minto. They wrote that they had been called to several properties in the area by farmers asking that coyotes be removed.
The letter stated, “In other areas, we found out there is a bounty paid on each coyote killed.”
They suggested council instate a bounty to remove coyotes from farm lands.
“This is a growing problem and farmers are losing livestock.”
Council was hard pressed to disagree with the livestock loss as yet another livestock claim was before it that night for a sheep reported as being killed by a coyote.
Councillor John Matusinec said he had brought up the idea of a bounty some time ago.
While a bounty could be difficult to enforce, Matusinec said “a lot of places in Wellington North are getting overrun. It’s getting to be a real problem.”
Matusinec added that when he saw in the Wellington Advertiser that there are reports of cougars in one area, and something needs to be done.
“It’s getting to be dangerous out there.”
Councillor Ross Chaulk said that these days, it is no longer uncommon to hear coyotes in the rural areas. He believes if council initiates a bounty it could be difficult to control and recommended a cap on any payout.
Mayor Mike Broomhead said it also seems as if the coyotes are getting braver and showing up closer to residential areas.
He recommended the clerk investigate a bounty.
Councillor Dan Yake suggested if the Radpjcins are from Minto, it might be worth talking to town officials there to see what they are doing.
Council later discussed the livestock claim submitted by Eric Bzikot, RR1 Conn. That report stated the incident happened at 10am after the sheep were let out to pasture.
A sheep was found with throat and neck injuries, puncture woods, and signs of a struggle.
Although little of the animal was eaten, livestock evaluator Gord Flewelling suggested the owner may have frightened off the attacking animal.
Clerk Lori Heinbuch said the same individual was reported to have lost roughly 20 sheep last year, although no remains were found.
“It’s getting really wild out there,” said Matusinec.
Heinbuch later noted that for these specific types of claims, the township pays the full cost and that the province reimburses the costs only if the kills are made by wolves.
