The "coy dog" population of Luther Marsh is posing a threat to livestock in East Luther, and more hunters are needed to control it.

Barry Tychynski, of Lot 22 in the 13th Concession of East Luther Grand Valley Township didn't put it quite in those words, but his meaning was unmistakable as he commented on his recent claim for a calf that was killed either by coyotes or wild dogs, and then picked boneclean by turkey vultures.

Mr. Tychynski said he called the livestock inspector at about 9:30 a.m. one day last month to report the killing of a calf. By the time the inspector arrived at about 4:30 p.m., the only evidence remaining of the kill was a single bone and a trail of blood, along with turkey tracks.

This created a problem in filing the claim, as photos of the dead animal are usually required. The township eventually did pay a $300 claim for the calf, but Mr. Tychynski's concern is more for the future of his cow-calf operation than of the time it might take to settle a claim.

"There's a pile of coyotes out there," he said in a phone interview Tuesday. "(And) a month ago, I saw a white wolf. The problem needs to be addressed."

He said the white wolf has reappeared on at least two occasions, but appears to have gone back toward the Luther Marsh. "I was going to shoot it, but my neighbour's shed was in the way." Hunters, he said, need to be encouraged to come out and reduce the predatory population.

Mr. Tychynski estimates the coyotes, or "coy dogs," are running in packs of as many as 30. "And they're coming closer than ever before." He described them as "smart," and said he refers to them as "coy dogs" because he thinks they might be a cross between coyotes and domestic dogs.

Before moving to East Luther eight years ago, Mr. Tychynski and his wife lived near Conn, between Shelburne and Mount Forest, north of Arthur. He said there are more coyotes or "coy dogs" here than he ever experienced at his previous residence.

He said the Tychynski farm has between 60 and 80 cows calving and he is in the habit of checking on them frequently. He would like to see the coyote population reduced, rather than for claims to be increased. Some facts about coyotes

Coyotes are prospering in many parts of Ontario, including Dufferin and as a result, like other wild animals, they sometimes come into conflict with human activities.

The reasons include changes in land use, agricultural practices, weather, and natural food shortages. These factors may contribute to increased coyote sightings in rural and nearurban settings. Increased sightings may not reflect an increase in coyote numbers.

Coyote populations fluctuate naturally from year to year, as is the case with most other wildlife species.

To reduce the potential for coyote encounters, Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources has these tips for the public.

 Do not approach or feed coyotes. They are wild animals, but can become less fearful of humans if they associate us and our surroundings with food sources.

 Educate children not to approach or harass any wild animals or unfamiliar domestic pets.

 Keep coyotes away. Whistles, personal alarm devices or commercially available pepper sprays can be used to frighten an approaching or threatening animal.

 Keep all pets on leashes or confined to a yard. Allowing them to roam at large increases their risk of injury by other domestic animals, automobiles and wild animals.

 Secure garbage and pet food. Properly stored and maintained garbage containers will help prevent coyotes (as well as raccoons, skunks, bears, cats and dogs) from becoming a nuisance.

 Use motion-sensitive lights in yards or gardens. Well-lit yards or the use of motion-sensitive lighting may make your property less attractive to coyotes and other nocturnal wildlife.