Horse attacked near possible coyote tracks prompts NCC trail closures

The National Capital Commission is warning residents and farmers near south Woodroffe Avenue to keep livestock and pets indoors at nightafter a wildlife attack on a horse an agricultural property in the Greenbelt.

NCC conservation officerssearched the surrounding areas over the weekendand found animal tracks that resembled those of a coyote.

The NCC has closed two PinheyForest trails near the NepeanSportsplex trail 31 and 32 and theGreenbelt Pathway West.

"Hikers, snowshoers, cross-country skiers and all users of the Greenbelt are asked to keep personal safety in mind and stay on official trails, and to keep their dogs on leashes," the NCC said in a news release Tuesday.

Conservation officers also set up traps in the area, which are being checkedtwice a day until further notice, the NCC said.

It comes aftersightings of a coyote in the Woodroffe/Hunt Club area in November.

NCC conservation officers are continuing to work with municipal and provincial authorities about the sightings, which began Oct. 31.

At the end of November, the Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary warnedcommuters against feeding thecoyote.

On Monday, the sanctuarysaid in an email that "it's normal for coyotes to live in urban fringes and that their presence is more common than people realize."

The sanctuary also said the large tract of forest south of Hunt Club is a natural habitat for the coyote, that they'refearful of people, and that theirdiet consists of mainly rodents, rabbits, fruit and insects.

The NCC, meanwhile, is asking anyone who spots a coyoteto call the NCC emergency line at613-239-5353.

More information about coyotes isavailable on theNCCwebsite.