Too many coyotes on the lamb, farmers say

Sheep farmers say coyotes have become so destructive, there is now a shortage of fresh lamb in the local marketplace.

Farmers say coyotes, which have only been reported on the island for several years, are making it difficult for an already struggling industry to survive.

At least 300 lambs and sheep have been killed on the Avalon Peninsula alone in recent years.

Farmers are experimenting with guard dogs, mules and llamas to keep the coyotes at bay.

However, they say that's expensive.

Howard Morry, who shot one coyote and snared another on his farm in the Goulds, says the province needs an intensive trapping program to bring the coyote problem under control.

Farmers would like the government to help by putting a heftier price on the heads of coyotes.

The province pays $25 for each carcass brought in.