The Search For Solutions Is Causing More Problems In Fairmount Park Coyote Case

Folks in one of Bangor's most popular neighborhoods have a problem with coyotes. But the discussions of how to deal with the problem have now caused another one, and this problem is poised to cause division in what's otherwise always seemed like a happy little corner of Bangor.

Let's take a look at how this all began.

In the summer of 2024, residents of the Fairmount Park area, a neighborhood that essentially runs from Hammond Street in Bangor all the way to the Municipal Golf Course, noticed that a good number of the outdoor cats that usually roamed around had gone missing.

Read More: What Caused A Dozen Cats To Disappear From Bangor Neighborhood?

Some speculated that it was a person or persons taking the animals. Others thought it might be a predator or predators that lived nearby.

When the body of a good-sized bobcat that had been hit by a car in the neighborhood was discovered, many thought that might have been the end of the issue.

But cats kept disappearing.

And then people in the area started spotting a coyote running through the streets.

At first, it would appear just after dusk or right around dawn, and mostly along the outskirts.

But as time passed, it was making its way through people's yards, in the middle of the day, showing up on ring cams, and even venturing along the fence of a nearby school.

Descriptions of the animal varied in color and size, leading some to believe it was likely not just one animal people were seeing, but perhaps a pack.

Understandably, this thought coupled with video footage and pictures posted on the neighborhood's social media/watch page, caused many to become concerned.

Could these animals be the ones responsible for the decline in the cat population within Fairmount Park?

As they've become more comfortable within the residential area, do they pose a risk to local pets or the people/kids who live nearby?

These are questions being asked not only online, but also by phone and email to the local Animal Control Officer, Bangor's City Manager, and state wildlife officials.

Bangor's City Manager, Debbie Laurie responded recently to some of the inquiries being made of city officials.

"We are aware of a coyote that calls our golf course home, and I can only assume this is the animal sighted in the neighborhood.  Our golf course is a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program.  This effort has resulted in nearly 7 acres returning to its natural state, which has reduced carbon emissions, fertilizer and pesticide use, and created natural habitats. 

Unlike pets and small animals, which fall under the purview of our animal control officer, we look to the State Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (DIFW) for guidance on best practices related to wildlife.  We have reached out to the Department to gain greater insight into the behaviors being observed, and the natural behaviors of coyotes, and will request the department review the available footage to assess the health of the animal as well as identify any risks to the public as a starting point.

I certainly understand how interactions with wildlife can create concern for the well-being of pets and children and will pass along the information we received from DIFW.  In the interim, please continue to keep us updated on any behaviors observed that could be indicators of risk such as aggression, unusual activity, approaching humans without fear, signs of illness or defensive behavior."

Online resources from the state explain what to do to protect yourself from coyotes and to prevent them from coming around. Things like keeping pet food or garbage outside, never leaving pets or small children unattended outside, teaching kids the difference between a coyote and a pet dog, and carrying an air horn or pepper spray (in case you cross paths with one) are supposed to be deterrents and solutions. These resources also mention what signs to look for that it might be time to consider alternative options to co-exist with them, such as trapping and removing the coyotes.

"Coyotes causing severe damage to pets or livestock, or posing a threat to public health and safety, may be removed using regulated in-season trapping and hunting methods, or outside the season through special permits issued by state wildlife agencies to professional nuisance wildlife trappers."

However, the experts on Maine Wildlife say:

"If coyotes are causing conflict around your home, it can be very difficult to identify the specific individuals causing the problems. If killed, new coyotes quickly replace the removed individuals."

While some residents have taken Laurie's statement and the advice of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife under advisement and stated they would remain cautious and vigilant and report unusual behavior, others have not been satisfied to wait and see.

Several side conversations have been taking place, where folks have mentioned taking matters into their own hands or recruiting hunters to come in and catch or dispatch the animal(s)...if not with firearms because it's within City limits, then with bows and arrows.

And here is where the second problem has popped up: these side conversations and suggestions are creating even more concern, and now division. Some are now not only concerned about coyotes becoming a danger in town but are also voicing fear about what possible dangers might come about if people try to take the animals out.

To be clear, I'm not choosing a side here.

I have read what the experts have said and I have seen firsthand the concern of the worried citizens.

I understand it from both points of view.

I see the conversations happening on both sides of the fence, and as such, I also see this secondary problem and recognize its potential to be divisive and destructive.

Instead of posing a threat to the pets of Fairmount Park, this new problem poses a threat to the fabric of this charming little spot in the city.

People love their pets. People love their kids. People enjoy feeling safe. People love nature. People want to solve problems.

This situation is tricky. There doesn't seem to be a very clear and straightforward way to satisfy everyone at the moment. All we can do is hope the search for a solution doesn't overshadow the original problem and create more of a headache for the folks in Fairmount Park.