Inevitably its predatory feeding habits put the coyote in direct conflict with human interests and activities, especially game and livestock production. Studies in other areas of North America have indicated that predation by coyotes may limit deer numbers in very localized areas but cannot limit whole populations. Nonetheless, when noticeable local predation does occur, as it has and will continue to do in Nova Scotia, it raises considerable concern among local sportsmen - concern which must be addressed by the agency responsible for wildlife management. Depredation of livestock by problem coyotes has already, and will continue, to pose serious local problems for producers of sheep and to a lesser extent other livestock in Nova Scotia. Public Attitude Public attitude towards the newly-acquired predator varies.
Most people know little about the coyote population.
As the population is till relatively low sightings are not common. For the most part the general public is barely aware of its existence in Nova Scotia. Of those who are aware, attitudes of most would range from indifference to limited enthusiasm at the presence of a new wolf-like species filling the former niche of the timber wolf in our province. Increasing occurrence of sheep-killing by coyotes as resulted in individual livestock producers and agricultural organizations calling on government to take action to control coyote populations and limit predator damage. With concern mounting over coyote problems, government removed the coyote from the list of protected Nova Scotia furbearers in November, 1982.