Published On Wed Feb 3 2010

Ann Hui Staff Reporter

After several reported coyote sightings in the city, wildlife specialists say the public should be wary for their pets, but need not be alarmed for their own safety.

On Sunday, a Scarborough woman told police a pair of reddish-grey coyotes had attacked her 36-kilogram chocolate lab along the Doris McCarthy Trail near Bluffer's Park, leaving it with minor injuries.

The next day, the University of Toronto Scarborough sent an email to students telling them of recent coyote and fox sightings on campus and suggesting they keep a respectful distance from wild animals. Robert Messacar, manager of campus police, reports at least two coyote sightings in the past few months.

However, despite the death of a 19-year-old Toronto singer killed by coyotes while hiking in a Cape Breton park last October, Nathalie Karvonen, executive director of the Toronto Wildlife Centre, says such attacks are extremely rare. Coyotes are naturally shy animals and generally afraid of humans, she said.

For full article, follow this link http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/759699--keep-small-pets-at-your-side-expert-says-after-coyote-attack