Coyote Hysteria
You know that things have got out of hand when people attend meetings to discuss the problem of how to cope in rural and suburban areas with an increasing coyote population, and the majority are in favour of extraordinary extermination methods to rid themselves of a wild resident of a natural environment. Those choosing to live in areas surrounded by wildlife considerate enough to remain hidden and not to feast on peoples' pets are overlooked.
But natural predators are another thing. Owls are all right, and ravens, because they don't really pose much of a threat. But something on four legs that prowls about looking for mealtime opportunities is another thing altogether. It somehow escapes peoples' notice that humans are encroaching on the natural habitat of wild animals, who are forced to adjust their habits to fit into an environment once theirs, now shared.
It could be argued that coyotes were not always present in these parts, but they have been for quite a long time; long before people moved in greater numbers into the areas they now prowl, sharing space. When the shoe's on the other foot and people leave their house pets like cats and dogs free to stray, and they kill wildlife, no one really cares all that much and a metaphorical shrug ensues.
It should be common enough knowledge among rural dwellers - and urban dwellers as well, particularly those living on the outskirts of a city - that care should be taken that edible garbage is not left lying around, nor animal feed, to tempt scavengers. Bears, though far less often seen up close, as well as raccoons, deer and coyotes are drawn to areas where they are aware food is to be readily had.
People in those situations, owning small pets who may be vulnerable to the hunting instincts of predators or raptors should be mindful of their safety and take appropriate steps to ensure their pets do not become a wild animal's next meal. It is not logical nor humane to want to trap and exterminate animals from their natural surroundings to give ease to people worried about their presence.
Truly stupid reactions to the problem of people encroaching in ever greater numbers on traditional wild animal territory are fraught with other problems, some of them potentially deadly. People cannot ethically let alone legally, stalk and attempt to eradicate these animals using firearms, thus placing in danger other people out walking with their children or their pet animals.
And whoever the truly idiotic moron was who set three leghold traps securely on a 55-kilogram log nicely hidden from view along a snowmobile trail, should be obliged to be placed in the very same position that his stupidity forced upon a 19-year-old woman out walking her dog near Casselman this week. Krystie Morrow and her dog Koby had a dreadful experience, and they're recovering from it.
But it is inexcusable that some twit thought he would solve a problem he felt was intolerable by creating a far larger problem.
But natural predators are another thing. Owls are all right, and ravens, because they don't really pose much of a threat. But something on four legs that prowls about looking for mealtime opportunities is another thing altogether. It somehow escapes peoples' notice that humans are encroaching on the natural habitat of wild animals, who are forced to adjust their habits to fit into an environment once theirs, now shared.
It could be argued that coyotes were not always present in these parts, but they have been for quite a long time; long before people moved in greater numbers into the areas they now prowl, sharing space. When the shoe's on the other foot and people leave their house pets like cats and dogs free to stray, and they kill wildlife, no one really cares all that much and a metaphorical shrug ensues.
It should be common enough knowledge among rural dwellers - and urban dwellers as well, particularly those living on the outskirts of a city - that care should be taken that edible garbage is not left lying around, nor animal feed, to tempt scavengers. Bears, though far less often seen up close, as well as raccoons, deer and coyotes are drawn to areas where they are aware food is to be readily had.
People in those situations, owning small pets who may be vulnerable to the hunting instincts of predators or raptors should be mindful of their safety and take appropriate steps to ensure their pets do not become a wild animal's next meal. It is not logical nor humane to want to trap and exterminate animals from their natural surroundings to give ease to people worried about their presence.
Truly stupid reactions to the problem of people encroaching in ever greater numbers on traditional wild animal territory are fraught with other problems, some of them potentially deadly. People cannot ethically let alone legally, stalk and attempt to eradicate these animals using firearms, thus placing in danger other people out walking with their children or their pet animals.
And whoever the truly idiotic moron was who set three leghold traps securely on a 55-kilogram log nicely hidden from view along a snowmobile trail, should be obliged to be placed in the very same position that his stupidity forced upon a 19-year-old woman out walking her dog near Casselman this week. Krystie Morrow and her dog Koby had a dreadful experience, and they're recovering from it.
But it is inexcusable that some twit thought he would solve a problem he felt was intolerable by creating a far larger problem.
Labels: Animal Stories, Human Relations, Ontario
posted by Pieface @ 5:59 PM
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