RE: “Local coyote problem escalates,” article, Dec. 27, 2018. Dear Editor, After reading the article in the paper, I felt compelled to share with you why I think there are more brazen coyotes lurking around Airdrie – the west side certainly seems to be where all the sightings have been recently, which highlights my theory even more. In the article, the representative from the City said, “We can’t pinpoint the exact reason,” for the increased coyotes; well, here’s a main contributor, in my mind – development. For as long as I have lived in Airdrie, which is 12 years now, the empty space south of Sagewood pond and north of the entire Bayside area has been left fallow – pretty much undisturbed, until a few months ago when Genesis Land Development fenced the area off completely and began excavating and land clearing. In the process, several active dens occupied by coyotes were destroyed. So, we now have homeless coyotes trying to relocate and find a regular, reliable food source. This doesn’t, unfortunately, explain the reason why they would be so bold as to approach small children as in the recent incidences at Nose Creek Park. But it could explain the heightened activity on the golf course, as it’s probably been one of their main dinner tables for a long time. With the efforts of all involved, the situation seems to have lessened, for now. I fear once the City starts growing again – especially with future planning on the west side of 24th Street – the problem will return. We’re encroaching on their territory and we have to respect that. There’s room for all of us, if we let it. I don’t purport to be an animal activist, just someone who cares about the natural balance of nature. Charlotte Allen Woodside
