Saturday, January 31, 2015

Saturday Sightings

Saturday Sightings

Coyotes

 In the middle of January we still see a variety of animals that are active here at the Backus-Page House Museum. Because we are so remote and near the lake, encompassed in forest, we see and hear many animals throughout our days. During the winter months our days are so much shorter that some of our employees are here until 5pm which means they are leaving in the dark. We have had many times where we have walked to our parking lot at 5pm in the dark and heard the eerie calls of a Coyote in the distance. It usually gives us goose-bumps and sends us running for our cars!
 
Coyotes are a popular sight and sound out here at the museum. Coyotes enjoy the various ravines and embankments that have formed throughout our forested trails. They popularly build their dens in the sides of the ravines in order to keep them safe and secluded. Coyotes are generally shy and reclusive and out here we mainly hear them and have only actually viewed them a couple times. When sighted many people believe they have seen a small wolf or a wild dog. Coyotes range in colour from red to brown and even some a greyish blonde.
 Some people fear coyotes and assume them dangerous and aggressive, however there have been zero issues with them here at the museum. Coyotes help to keep the number rodents in the area down by feeding on mostly snakes, rabbits, and groundhogs.
 
For more information on Coyotes in Southwestern Ontario please visit the following website:
 
 



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