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Oh woe is me, woe is me. Just when I thought I had gotten out of the explaining the presence of coyotes in urban areas syndrome, they pull me back in. I received this email this week:
“(Subdivision)...........is adjacent to your Outdoor Learning Center on Shiloh Road. Small children and family pets reside in this subdivision. It is both alarming and dangerous for your coyotes to roam this neighborhood in broad daylight. Please contain them to your area for their protection.”
I read that and I was speechless. I was without speech!
Even in the face of man's encroachment of their natural habitat, coyotes can still be found in populated areas. They have learned to coexist with man much as have the raccoon and opossum. The coyote is regarded as an enemy of livestock and thus is hunted, trapped and poisoned. While a coyote will kill a weak or sick sheep or goat, usually they find enough carrion on the roads, such as rabbits and skunks. They will also raid garbage cans and dog and cat food dishes. The coyote population seems to be growing. They are cunning and smart, and we should give them credit for surviving when we have tried our best to destroy them.
I called a meeting of “my” coyotes this morning. I reminded them that one might think that in this twenty first century the normal human would be aware of our stewardship of the land. Not so dead squirrel breath! I explained that because of the never-ending concern, that they should try harder to honor the boundaries and limitations set by the humans. Travel only by night and stay in the creek beds. There was a lot of scowling and low growls but in the interest of peace it was decided to comply. There was only one complaint and that came from Hang Tooth, my big male. He reminded me that his favorite “toilet tree” was just across the boundary line from the subdivision. I advised that he could still use his tree but only at night, use the creek route as opposed to the usual driveway, and watch for humans.
The yearly holiday gathering of the coyotes was discussed and the committee suggested that we would meet in the same place in the meadow but instead of the midmorning time we would party at dawn. The usual “bring your favorite covered road kill” will be expected.
I now have one from the “where did that come from” file. You might remember the elephant jokes from the 60’s. Why is it dangerous to walk in the jungle at dawn? Because that is when the elephants are jumping out of the trees!
I reiterate, and I’ll say it again, just seeing a coyote in your driveway does not constitute an attack. Coyotes are not known to attack humans. Keep your small cats and dogs inside or under your direct control. Try to get along.
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