Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Primary Industries

Comparing Canadian Coyotes With Victorian Wild Dogs

Canadian Pest Management Officer, Kim Nielsen shared his knowledge and experiences of managing coyotes in Canada at the recent Gippsland Wild Dog Management Group meeting.

By the Department of Primary Industries - 18th May 2009 - Back to News

Mr Nielsen spoke of his 25 years of coyote management in Clearwater County, Alberta, which includes providing information to individuals and communities, and of their shared responsibility to manage coyotes impacting on livestock.

"Coyotes tend to kill individual animals and they are rarely multiple killers like wild dogs," Mr Nielsen said.

"Only when young pups are ‘trained’ do we see them killing in a ‘pack’ as wild dogs can and do - however, there are similarities in the way they can be best managed."

"Our control techniques are similar to those here in Victoria, but our local shires can determine what techniques they support.

"Coyote control devices such as 1080 bait, lethal neck snares and M-44 cyanide ejectors were once used; however the shires made the decision to promote better education to encourage land owners to carry out integrated management programs in a group, rather than individually."

Mr Nielsen runs annual field days in Clearwater County that allow landowners to maintain accreditations in the use of explosives (to blow beaver dams), improve their marksmanship and trapping skills, as well as understanding livestock predation and determining if any underlying causes were present.

These field days are popular and allow landowners to be informed of the most current techniques and implementation, along with any changes that may have occurred regarding pest animal welfare.

Gippsland Wild Dog Management Group Chair, Alan Brown, said that by learning from someone with an alternate pest animal experience had given the Gippsland Wild Dog Management Group the opportunity to tap into new ideas.

"It will add value to our role and the delivery of wild dog information to farmers," Mr Brown said.

"We will be able to use Mr Nielsen’s experience to help increase our base level of knowledge in the development of advice for the Victorian Government."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
  The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum.
• East Gippsland residents urged to foster dogs as Animal Aid Bairnsdale faces unprecedented influx and resource strain
  Animal Aid Bairnsdale urges East Gippsland residents to foster dogs as rising numbers strain shelter capacity. Support, resources, and costs are provided, ensuring dogs receive safety, love, and a chance at adoption.
• Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
  The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• Baw Baw Shire Council endorses 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote safety, welfare, responsible ownership
  Baw Baw Council has endorsed the 2026-2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote responsible pet ownership, enhance animal welfare, ensure community safety, and guide strategic animal management over the next four years.
• Wellington Shire Council seeks feedback on the Domestic Animal Management Plan Review until 24 September 2025
  Wellington Shire Council's draft Domestic Animal Management Plan outlines priorities for responsible pet ownership, safety, and welfare, inviting community feedback from 28 August to 24 September 2025.
• Wellington Shire Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange surges ahead, handling one in 43 Victorian Cattle Sales in 2024
  Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange recorded a remarkable 122% increase in cattle throughput last financial year, making it the highest percentage increase of any saleyard in Australia.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.