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E It's not all that uncommon to hear about coyotes g snatching up smaller dogs left unattended. But the wild dogs seem to be getting more brazen. ln nearby Mississauga, a Yorkshire terrier was recent- ly walking on a leash with its owner when a coyote dashed into the street to carry it off. A band of coyotes have been living near an Oakville resident’s backyard for a couple of months. In October, a Burlington resident's backyard security camera captured a coyote violently shaking a King Charles spaniel before eventually fleeing. Milton has had its share of coyote sightings in residen- tial areas. There have also been reports of at least two people in Brampton being bitten by what's believed to be a coyote. This is highly unusual behaviour for coyotes. which generally avoid people. They're described as shy, cautious and non-confrontational, although they can be curious and experimental. It’s so rare, in fact, that according to Toronto Vlflldlife Centre executive director Nathalie Karvonen, there has only been one confirmed coyote attack on humans in Toronto’s his- tory. There are far more dog attacks than coyote at- tacks. lf these recent attacks are coyote-related, clearly something is making them more daring. The eastern coyote is a hybrid between the smaller western coyote and eastern wolf. They’re a highly adaptable species, which is why they can be found in rural areas as well as suburban and urban centres. Rabies is rare in coyotes in Ontario, the Ministry of Natural Resources notes, and coyotes might actually help reduce the incidence of rabies because they of- ten prey on foxes, a species more likely to carry the disease. It's incumbent upon all of us to ensure we're not invit- ing coyotes into our residential areas. Coyotes should never be fed, pet food and water should be kept in- side, trash cans should be covered, large amounts of bird seed shouldn't be left out on lawns, and rotted fruit should be cleared off the ground. if you encounter a coyote, stand tall, wave your arms, and yell atthe coyote. approaching it ifnecessary, un- til it runs away. Never run away. We need coyote Tme test of velodrome will come long after the Games are over Heritage Matters The wood-framed Victorian home at 177 Sarah St. was built in 189l'and often referred to as the Marchand Pickett house. Emil Marchand. a jeweller, lived there from 1908 to 1921 and was responsible for keeping the town clock in working order. In 1942, phar- macist Nelson Pickett and his family occupied the home. living there for more than 25 By all accounts. Milton's new Pan Am velodrome â€"- the sole facil- ity of its kind in Canada and only the second that meets top inter- national stan- dards in Canada and the U.S. â€"â€" is a big hit. It's an exciting time as the fa- Karen Micoll Managing Editor cility saw its first test when the Canadian Track Championships began Saturday night. No doubt the enthusiasm will con- tinue to build as the Games approach. Judging by the large turnOut for the test event, I expect people will come out in droves for the official opening of the velo- drome on Family Day February 16. years. The Picketts operated a drug store Em Main Street. The 'home was purchased in 1998 by the Irwin family. â€" Submitted by Heritage Milton and Milton Historical Society The true test, however, will come long after the Games are over. Concerns have been raised that the facility will eventu- ally become a white elephant â€" that the costs to maintain the facility will be out of proportion to its usefulness and worth. But I’m optimistic that because the velo- drome will be an Olympic- and Paralym- pic-calibre training facility for high-per- formance cyclists, and with it being built as a community recreation centre, taxpayâ€" ers won't be disappointed. You won't have to be a cyclist to make use of the facility. Among the velodrome’s other offerings will be courts for basket- ball and volleyball games, and a fitness centre. There will even be something for me â€" a walking track. I can't wait to go for a stroll at this spectacular facility. Karen Miceli can be reached at kmiceli@mil- toncanadlanchampion.com oron Twittero Editor In Chief Jill Davis, Halton Radon Act/erasing is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a Mmphical error. that portion of the advertising space oocupiedbytheononeouskemfic‘etherwlthareasonable allowance f0! slgmtune. will not be M for. but the balance of the advertisement wlll be pald for at the applicable rate. The publlsherreservesmeriamtocateaorlzeadvenlsememsor decline. Chbianf‘hmfibn 555 Invustn'al Dn've, Milton, Ont. L9T 551 9 33 mm “we hsidehaltonmm VAOON mi; tunn- Advertising Fax: 905-8 76-2364 Classified: 905875-3300 Circulation: 905-878-5947 www.miitoncanadianchampion.com 905-878-2341 The Canadian Champbn, published every munday. Is a dlvlslon of Metroland Media Gmup Ltd. (CAB Audited m»â€" Onurio Pre- Council W W to my." rum. mm marmalan VJ? â€"â€" Group Publisher mummuawm mmcmmls apmudmdluponsotfot: Canadian Community Newspapers Association Regional General Manager Director of Advertising Production Manager Circulation Director Managing Editor Office Manager Ontario Community Jingie u] ma CANADA DAY h.“