07/03/11, 07:12 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 37
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I notice that there are more or less 2 camps around here when it comes to coyotes and it seems from this thread that that's likely the case more broadly. For some the presence of a coyote is a problem regardless. They're predators, dangerous, rabid, clever, bold etc., and should be eliminated. For others, the emphasis is simply on the safety of their animals.
A few years ago there was a huge ruckus from the Pyrs in their run behind the barn. I was close by and went out to see 2 coyotes passing through the hayfield just past the run. It was the middle of the afternoon--broad daylight--the dogs were going ape and the coyotes trotted along as if nothing was happening. Didn't run, didn't even looked over in the direction of the dogs. Just trotted on by, across the field and into a holler. I was completely struck by their composure. I've lost more than a few animals, mostly poultry, to predators. a lot of them in the barn and some outside. To the very best of my knowledge, none of it has been to coyotes. Its been coons, fox, possum, and occasionally a hawk or owl. Maybe a snake or 2 has gotten ahold of a chick. I know that's who does it because I've trapped and killed all those except the hawks or owls. I have free range poultry of various sorts, most of which roost in the barn, some that don't, and sheep and goats on pasture behind stock panels. The dogs are out at night but not directly in the stock pen.
I hear the yotes yipping and singing all the time, but as best I can tell, and I'm NOT a casual observer in this matter, they leave us alone. That despite that I'd swear there's a den in the holler not 80 yards from the barn from the closeness and constancy of the yipping. So I said to myself, if they're leaving us alone, what are they living on. Well, no doubt rodents, snakes and such, but probably some of those coons and possum too, and maybe a sick or injured fox if they got lucky. As well as a young, injured or wounded deer on occasion. So I've kind of adopted the view that maybe in this particular circumstance they're actually on our side rather than agin' us. Not to mention that its fascinating to listen to coyotes yip and sing and the oldest Pyr yowl and sing in reply...then the coyotes again and my girl answers again. Humans are predators also at times, and I have very direct experience with that as well. But I don't think its necessary or wise to trap or shoot everything with 2 legs that shows up on the property...though there are times I'd dearly love to make an exception.
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