Coyotes in CT/MA
1 messages in this thread |
Started on 2002-12-21
RE:Coyotes in CT/MA
From: NDM (simon.nuhn@snet.net) |
Date: 2002-12-21 00:31:20 UTC-05:00
Thank you Kim (Rustypuff) for your learned remarks.
The following letter to the editor from a vet tech/wildlife rehabilitator
in our town may also help to educate folks about the coyote.
> Dear Editor, As a licensed wildlife rehabilitator it is
imperative for
> me to study the natural history of species in our area so as to be able
> to give accurate information and assistance to the public as well as
> render help when needed. Therefore I was extremely concerned about an
> article written in the last edition of the Town Times about coyotes. It
> presented several myths about this commonly maligned species that need
> to be rectified.
> First and foremost, to allay any fear or panic that was stirred-up
> over the emotional misinformation given in regards to human safety,
> coyotes RARELY attack adults or children. The reference made about the
> Massachusetts attack (the first documented attack in the state's
> history--Cape Cod Times, 7/30/98) was NOT accurate. The child was
> bitten by a single injured coyote that had been habituated to humans due
> to someone feeding it (Boston Globe 8/98, CT Wildlife 10/98). This
> incident became so publicized precisely because it is such a rare
> occurrence. As frightening as this situation was, aggresive acts on the
> part of coyotes needs to be placed in perspective. The single fatality
> that occurred in California was 20 years ago. In contrast it is
> interesting to note how many towns are considering regulating ownership
> of particular breeds of dogs, man's best friend, due to excessive
> unprovoked attacks.
> Although experts differ on whether coyotes are native to
> Connecticut or not, even the most conservative estimates place them here
> at least since the 1950's (CT DEP, Audubon Society, Wild Neighbors).
> Some fossil records place them here one million years ago (PA Game
> Commission). They were driven out of many areas for a time due to
> development of their habitats and have been slowly returning to their
> previous territories, not invading us as was implied. They hunt singly
> or with their mate, or for a short time while teaching their young, but
> not in packs. They also keep territorial boundaries, which limits the
> number of coyotes in any given area (CT DEP, PA Game Commission, Ellison
> '97, MSPCA, Wild Neighbors, Fund for Animals).
> Coyotes are opportunistic feeders and will eat practically
> anything, but prefer rodents and rabbits. Food sources may be more
> plentiful here, and while the Eastern coyote is somewhat larger than
> their Western counterparts, they seldom exceed a weight of 45-50lbs, not
> 75lbs as was stated in the article (CT DEP, Audubon Society, Natural New
> England). Larger specimens are usually "coydogs", which can look so
> similar to coyotes that an expert's examination is necessary to
> correctly identify.
> Many studies have been conducted by biologists and naturalists to
> discover the best way to live with coyotes and wildlife. "Harvesting"
> does not work for population control and has several ramifications
> (SUNY, Crabtree, TX Wildlife Research Institute, etc.). First, nature
> will keep numbers constant by increasing litter size from 4-6 up to 17.
> Second, females will go into heat younger and breed at a younger age.
> Finally, the pattern of parental teaching is interrupted, which leaves
> pups to learn on their own and seek out easier prey. This is when
> predation on domestics is made worse, but there are ways to minimize
> such incidents.
> The typical homeowner can do several things to discourage coyotes
> and other wildlife from visiting too close for comfort:
> 1) Cut back brush around the perimeter of your yard.
> 2) Be a responsible pet owner--supervise them, neuter them, and
> bring small pets in the house at night
> 3) Don't leave pet food outdoors, as this attracts scavengers
> 4) Pick up fallen fruit under trees
> 5) Keep trash cans securely fastened and in the garage until
> collection day
> 6) Call the CT Dept. of Environmental Protection or a wildlife
> rehabilitator if concerned about an animal's behavior.
> Many of us appreciate the opportunity we have in this area to get
> close to nature and share its gifts with our children. Don't be misled
> by myths or rumors. Learn about the incredible diversity of life around
> us! They all have their places, and even we are but part of this
> glorious picture, and we are all the richer for it.
>
> Gina D'Alessio, Durham, CT
>
> me to study the natural history of species in our area so as to be able
> to give accurate information and assistance to the public as well as
> render help when needed. Therefore I was extremely concerned about an
> article written in the last edition of the Town Times about coyotes. It
> presented several myths about this commonly maligned species that need
> to be rectified.
> First and foremost, to allay any fear or panic that was stirred-up
> over the emotional misinformation given in regards to human safety,
> coyotes RARELY attack adults or children. The reference made about the
> Massachusetts attack (the first documented attack in the state's
> history--Cape Cod Times, 7/30/98) was NOT accurate. The child was
> bitten by a single injured coyote that had been habituated to humans due
> to someone feeding it (Boston Globe 8/98, CT Wildlife 10/98). This
> incident became so publicized precisely because it is such a rare
> occurrence. As frightening as this situation was, aggresive acts on the
> part of coyotes needs to be placed in perspective. The single fatality
> that occurred in California was 20 years ago. In contrast it is
> interesting to note how many towns are considering regulating ownership
> of particular breeds of dogs, man's best friend, due to excessive
> unprovoked attacks.
> Although experts differ on whether coyotes are native to
> Connecticut or not, even the most conservative estimates place them here
> at least since the 1950's (CT DEP, Audubon Society, Wild Neighbors).
> Some fossil records place them here one million years ago (PA Game
> Commission). They were driven out of many areas for a time due to
> development of their habitats and have been slowly returning to their
> previous territories, not invading us as was implied. They hunt singly
> or with their mate, or for a short time while teaching their young, but
> not in packs. They also keep territorial boundaries, which limits the
> number of coyotes in any given area (CT DEP, PA Game Commission, Ellison
> '97, MSPCA, Wild Neighbors, Fund for Animals).
> Coyotes are opportunistic feeders and will eat practically
> anything, but prefer rodents and rabbits. Food sources may be more
> plentiful here, and while the Eastern coyote is somewhat larger than
> their Western counterparts, they seldom exceed a weight of 45-50lbs, not
> 75lbs as was stated in the article (CT DEP, Audubon Society, Natural New
> England). Larger specimens are usually "coydogs", which can look so
> similar to coyotes that an expert's examination is necessary to
> correctly identify.
> Many studies have been conducted by biologists and naturalists to
> discover the best way to live with coyotes and wildlife. "Harvesting"
> does not work for population control and has several ramifications
> (SUNY, Crabtree, TX Wildlife Research Institute, etc.). First, nature
> will keep numbers constant by increasing litter size from 4-6 up to 17.
> Second, females will go into heat younger and breed at a younger age.
> Finally, the pattern of parental teaching is interrupted, which leaves
> pups to learn on their own and seek out easier prey. This is when
> predation on domestics is made worse, but there are ways to minimize
> such incidents.
> The typical homeowner can do several things to discourage coyotes
> and other wildlife from visiting too close for comfort:
> 1) Cut back brush around the perimeter of your yard.
> 2) Be a responsible pet owner--supervise them, neuter them, and
> bring small pets in the house at night
> 3) Don't leave pet food outdoors, as this attracts scavengers
> 4) Pick up fallen fruit under trees
> 5) Keep trash cans securely fastened and in the garage until
> collection day
> 6) Call the CT Dept. of Environmental Protection or a wildlife
> rehabilitator if concerned about an animal's behavior.
> Many of us appreciate the opportunity we have in this area to get
> close to nature and share its gifts with our children. Don't be misled
> by myths or rumors. Learn about the incredible diversity of life around
> us! They all have their places, and even we are but part of this
> glorious picture, and we are all the richer for it.
>
> Gina D'Alessio, Durham, CT
>