“I saw a coyote in my yard…”

   “I had a pair of coyotes follow me while jogging…”

   “I watched a coyote carry away my dachshund.”

     Those quotes and others like it have come my way over the last several months in surprising frequency and are almost always followed by this question.

    “Are coyotes dangerous?”

    The popular answer is “no” since in the fantasyland of political correctness no animals are threats. They are just misunderstood creatures that are somehow the victims of man’s prejudices and evil actions toward the environment.

    The reality is however that coyotes are indeed a potential threat to humans and although chances of being attacked are low, they are increasing.

    Last October, 19-year-old Canadian folk singer Taylor Mitchell was attacked and killed by a pack of coyotes in a national park in Nova Scotia.

    In an article at cnn.com Chip Bird, Parks Canada’s field superintendent for that region said the attack was, “unprecedented and a totally isolated incident.”

    However in the same story he is quoted as saying, “We've had coyotes approach people too closely and about six years ago one nipped a person.”

    Somehow that does not equate with “unprecedented” and “totally isolated”.

    But unfortunately it is right out of the playbook of wildlife agencies that are sticking their hands in the sand about coyotes. In states like California for example there were dozens of instances of coyotes biting people, attacking their pets while their owners walked them on a leash and other types of aggression that were soon followed by vicious attacks on people.

   I had a wildlife expert explain how a coyote that bit someone in an urban area of Texas recent was not really an attack because the animal was drawn to the smell of grilling meat.

    The guy who had a hunk taken out of him probably has an entirely different view as do I.

    Coyotes are opportunistic predators. When in an environment which not only poses no threat but also provides them with many examples of humans providing food sources as our cities do, these animals lose their fear. And at some point they start looking to humans for food and in rare cases as food.

    Five years ago we were the first to bring you information about changes in coyote behavior in Texas with an account of Duval County landowner Tom Stone, who said his son had to kill a coyote in self defense while turkey hunting on his property.

    We also noted a study by Jan Loven, District Supervisor, Texas Animal Damage Control Service in Ft. Worth,  who said in the DFW-Metroplex that they are becoming increasingly aggressive.

    “Damages from coyotes range from fear of rabies, to fear of being in close proximity to carnivores, to property, pet, and livestock damage. Several complaints have been received from joggers who are amazed at the boldness of these animals and are fearful of attack.”

     Loven also gave a chilling warning.

    “While coyote attacks on humans have been documented in California, no incidents are known to occur in Texas. But with increasing coyote-human interaction in urban areas, an attack would not be surprising, especially on children.”

    Should you be scared because you have noticed coyotes in your neighborhood or on your property?

    No.

    There is no huge statistical probability of being assaulted by the crafty canines. However you should be informed about the reality of the situation so that you do not expose you or your family to danger. And the reality is there are coyote attacks ever year in America and we are seeing the signs California experienced before a large flap of attacks began there.

    For example, there are so many coyotes showing in urban areas in Austin, there is a special coyote hotline. Dial “3-11” and someone from a coyote task force will show up to deal with the situation.

    I’m serious.

    The group has a set of guidelines to help citizens deal with the animals the community sees as a growing threat. Most are basic common sense while a few are a little silly  but they are worth examining.

    1. Do not feed coyotes, deer or other wildlife!

    2. Eliminate sources of water.

    3. Position bird feeders so that coyotes can't get the feed. Coyotes are attracted by bread, table scraps, and even seed. They may also be attracted by birds and rodents that come to the feeders. They are also attracted to deer feed.

    4. Do not discard edible garbage where coyotes can get to it.

    5. Secure garbage containers and eliminate garbage odors.

    6. Feed pets indoors whenever possible. Pick up any leftovers if feeding outdoors. Store pet food where it is inaccessible to wildlife.

    7. Trim and clean, near ground level, any shrubbery that provides hiding cover for coyotes or prey.

    8. Don't leave small children unattended outside if coyotes have been frequenting the area.

    9. Don't allow pets to run free. Keep them safely confined and provide secure nighttime housing for them. Walk your dog on a leash and accompany your pet outside, especially at night.

   10. If you start seeing coyotes around your home or property, chase them away by shouting, making loud noises or throwing rocks. Carrying a stick, baseball bat or a golf club will also scare them away.

    In conclusion I would much rather change people’s distorted views of coyotes than I would withhold information that could possibly save life or limb.

    We should respect the coyotes for being the amazingly adaptable animals they are. Part of the respect involves treating them like wild animals, not pets and realizing they are not the poor, unskilled predator you see on the old Looney Tunes cartoons.

   In real like the coyote usually get the prey it seeks whether that be a roadrunner or bigger game.



Chester Moore, Jr. is The News Outdoors Editor. To contact Chester Moore, e-mail him at cmoore@fishgame.com. You can hear him on the radio Fridays from 6-7 p.m. on Newstalk AM 560 KLVI or online at www.klvi.com.