Bad Coyote

Filmmaker Jason Young's documentary Bad Coyote opens with the story of Taylor Mitchell, a vibrant 19-year-old singer-songwriter mauled to death by two coyote while hiking in the woods outside Halifax. Her death prompts an in-depth conversation and investigation into the changing relationship between humans and coyote (which are animals that historically have avoided people while preying on other wildlife or domesticated creatures such as dogs, sheep, etc.). On one hand, a scientist maintains that coyote are doing nothing new, but now have inherited the reputation wolves once had for being a widespread menace. Contradicting him is a gung-ho coyote hunter who says the entire coyote population should be wiped out (although it should be noted that he has a commercial interest in encouraging hunters). Also weighing in is a low-key trapper who worries that the fears of local families are indeed warranted, and he does what he can to thin out the population. Bad Coyote gives all players a voice here, but doesn't take a side, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)