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\u201cThe main reason for the coyote informational is preventative. Last year, we had a rash of sightings, many of which were in the neighborhoods around the Pace campus,\u201d Police Chief Erik Grutzner said. \u201cResidents were concerned, and so the Village and the Town of Mount Pleasant undertook a campaign to educate people and mitigate the danger that coyotes might pose.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Goin said her presentation will cover the history and ecology of eastern coyotes, as well as proven co-existence techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe [will] discuss why coyotes are such a vital member of the ecosystem and why it is so important we allow them to share the landscape,\u201d Goin said. \u201cWe\u2019ll fully outline appropriate hazing methods, which have been shown to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, and why certain management methods have been proven ineffective.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of the hazing techniques, Goin mentioned, include yelling and waving your arms, and carrying a walking cane, air horn, or even just a soda can with coins in it, so that it can be shaken at the coyote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWild animals tend to be quite skittish, so startling them with these techniques is often the most effective means to maintain that natural and necessary fear of humans,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Village Trustee Nicole Asquith said the session is important for addressing a misconception about coyotes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn reality, coyotes pose little threat, unless [they\u2019re] rabid,\u201d she said. \u201cBy providing education on a regular basis, people can understand how these animals actually are and how to handle them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Goin agreed that misconceptions are common. When residents are equipped \u201cwith facts rather than myths and misunderstanding, they\u2019ll feel more confident enjoying the outdoors and feel empowered by knowing how to assess and interpret encounters with wildlife,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n