However, both Gumbart and Dineen comment that they do also receive a number of
exasperated calls as well.
���We hear from folks who are upset over the destruction of their landscape by deer, farmers who are having crop issues, and residents missing small domestic pets that are assumed
to have been attacked by a fisher cat or coyote,��� says Gumbart.
���This is not a surprise, as there has been an increase in the wildlife communities,��� shares
Dineen. She adds that, ���Across the last century we have lost a lot of our agricultural land in
Sudbury. With the emergence of more wooded areas and the successful reintroduction of
many wildlife species, such as wild turkeys, more animals have returned.���
The largest danger that these animals pose is to small dogs and cats. The fisher cat, coyote, and fox have all increased in population within recent years, and they prey on small
pets. These animals are intelligent, watching their prey and quickly noticing changes. If
food is left outside for pets, they will observe when the pet comes to feed. Some easy steps
can be taken to dissuade the predators, such as rearranging outdoor furniture or putting out
26 ��� north bridge magazine
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SPRING/SUMMER 2013