Coyote Fest Makes the Best of a Pest
Coulterville Coyote Fest returns each September with a howling good time…
Travelers have gone “cuckoo” with their penchant for bringing Emotional Support Animals (ESA) on board airline flights. A recent published list of animals that have flown — much to the dismay, delight or chagrin of other passengers — includes dogs, cats, pigs, horses, ducks and other friends and fowl. What’s not been seen on trips is the wily coyote. Like so many other animals, this canine native to North America elicits intense reactions with just a mention.
Coyotes are versatile, able to adapt to and expand into environments modified by humans — and that’s what makes them less than loved by pet owners who see their furry dogs snatched and turned into coyote snacks.
I live near wetlands, flood channels and the beach in Huntington Beach where the city has taken to trapping and killing coyotes, even against the recommendations of wildlife experts who say this practice will create new generations of coyote packs that adapt. The city does this it at the urging of residents who are fearful of coyotes.
Coyote California
Coyotes’ range is the entire state of California.
Coyotes are smart and adaptable canines.
Coyotes help keep rodent populations under control.
Coyotes live comfortably alongside people in residential neighborhoods.
Coyotes are fearful of humans by nature but lose caution and fear if they have access to human food and garbage.
Coyotes can’t be relocated so they may be killed when conflicts occur.
Coyote Precautions
Don’t leave children or pets outside unattended.
Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
Trim ground-level shrubbery.
Put garbage in tightly closed containers.
Remove sources of water.
Put away bird feeders at night.
Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles.
