Coyotes on south/central Mountain

Four legged visitors spotted in wooded area off Crerar Park

By Mark Newman, News Staff

Julie and Pino DiNardo were enjoying a cup of coffee in the sunroom of their home around 8:30 on a weekday morning in early January when they saw them.

Four coyotes had wandered into their backyard from the adjoining wooded area off Crerar Park in the Upper Wentworth-Pescara Avenue area, just south of the Linc.

First I thought, what a beautiful animal, Julie said. They were absolutely gorgeous and they were very healthy.

Julie, who noted theyve been hearing the nighttime howling of the coyotes for several years, said they saw a coyote for the first time a couple of years ago when they found their now eight-year-old schnoodle (a mix of poodle and schnauzer) Jemma staring down from the backyard deck at a fury intruder.

It was face-to-face, said Julie, who immediately called the dog back in the house.

Julie said having coyotes so close to home is a concern.

Having something that can possibly eat my dog or harm my kids, Im very worried about this, she said, adding there the number of rabbits and squirrels in their backyard has dropped noticeably over the last few years.

The coyote sightings have prompted parents in the area to warn their children to be watchful when outside.

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Coyotes on south/central Mountain