Pregnant woman fends off coyotes near Woolastook Park

A woman who is nine months pregnant was able to fend off three or four coyotes that surrounded her and her two dogs while she was out walking near Woolastook Park on Tuesday morning, says Chief Murray Crouse of the Upper KingsclearFire Department.

"They were surrounded by three or four coyotes that surrounded and tried to get the dogs,"Crouse said Wednesday.

The womanwas able to call 911 for help and kept scaring away the coyotes from her and the dogs, he said.

"She got off the trailtrying to protect the dogs, and she didn'tknow for a few minutes where she was. Of course, inall the excitement I could see that happening."

Rare to see near people

Crouse said the coyotes were gone when hisdepartment arrived at the site southwest of Fredericton,but firefighters found one of the dogs had been bitten.

"We took it into thevet and dropped it off there, and she went to get checked out at the hospital as well because she was nine months pregnant."

Crouse said there arecoyotes in the area that can be heard howling atnight, and some cats in the area have disappeared.

"But as far as attacking when there's people there, no, I never it's the first time I come across that."

In an email, spokesperson Nick Brown said the Department of Natural Resources has not seen a change in coyote behaviour or population this year compared with previous years.

"The Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development encourages residents to enjoy nature while being aware of the wildlife within it."

Brown said there is information on the department's website advising how to protect yourself if you encounter a coyote.

Some of the tips include:

• Back away from a coyote and remain calm.
• Do not turn your back on or run from a coyote;
• If a coyote is approaching, respond aggressively: wave your arms, shout, throw rocks or sticks, and maintain eye contact.