The P.E.I. government has hired a professional trapper to deal with a coyote plaguing a neighbourhood in Stratford, across the river from Charlottetown.

Coyotes will prey on pets, says Brad Potter. (CBC)

The coyote has been seen during the day in the Williams Gate area and is becoming immune to efforts to frighten it off. Many are afraid to even go outside and mow the lawn.

"It hasn't shown any aggressive behaviour but it has certainly shown indifference to the point of showing signs of being habituated to that area," said provincial wildlife biologist Brad Potter.

"We speak quite often about coyotes that are on the Island, that are living quite happily in the wild. In this particular situation, this animal has shown that it's living a little too close for comfort."

Potter said the coyote is unlikely to be a threat to people, but that doesn't mean it is harmless.

"They certainly are a predator of domestic pets such as cats and small dogs. Those are the more obvious concerns," he said.

A trapper has set neck snares for the animal, and will kill it when it's located.

Potter said it's a necessary step to keep the neighbourhood safe.