Coyote Questions Answered

Project Coyote
Project Coyote promotes educated coexistence between people and coyotes by championing progressive management policies and fostering respect for and understanding of America's native wild "song dog." Eastern Coyote Institute is not affilitated in any way with Project Coyote.
What Can You Do Right Now to Stop this Abuse?
Many people are asking the Eastern Coyote Institute how they can stop the sadistic abuse of our wildlife. Here is how: Write to the people below and tell them you want hunting coyotes with dogs in New York stopped, bag limits imposed on fox, coyote and crows and relaying dogs chasing coyotes stopped effective immediately. It will just take a few minutes. Write: Assemblyman Robert Sweeney, Chair, Environmental Conservation Committee, NYS Assembly, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248 Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver,c/o Dean Fuleihan, NYS Assembly, State Capitol Bldg. Albany , NY 12248 Terri Kleinman and David Lenahan, NYS Assembly Program an d Counsel, room 520, State Capitol Bldg. AlbanyNY 12248 Senator Antoine Thompson, Chairman, Senate Env. Cons. Committee, NYS Senate, LOB, Albany NY 12247 Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith, NYS Senate, LOB, Alba. NY 12247 Governor Paterson, c/o Judith Enck, Executive Chamber, State Capitol, Albany NY 12224
Predator Defense Organization
An Important Letter about Coyotes from Robert Crabtree
This letter by one of the leading coyote biologists in the world explains why killing coyotes does not control their population
Is Man Supposed to Control Predator Populations?
No. Man has really screwed up a lot of balances in ecosystems! A predators role is to control prey populations, and that is important so that prey don't over graze land and destroy their own food sources. Predators aren't supposed to control other predators, Nature doesn't work that way. Man has quite an ego and has misunderstood and abused his of "dominion over animals" . No doubt, his "dominion over animals" should be taken away.
Did Biologists Release Cougars to Control the Coyote Population?
No. C'Mon, do you really believe this stuff? A little knowledge of cougar and coyote biology as well as Federal Law will answer this one for you. Cougars have no interest in killing coyotes, and in fact are easily treed by any member of the canine species. Any legitimate (the key word here) cougar sightings are no doubt the occasional released exotic pet.
Were Coyotes deliberately released in the Eastern States?
NO. Some people actually believe that the conservation agencies stocked coyotes in the Eastern states to control the deer population. We already know that coyotes can not control the deer population and there are more deer and turkey than ever, so why would they have to? Coyotes naturally expanded their range, coming into New England through Maine and New York. they have been around isnce at least the early 1920's. Some scientists believe they have been here all along, since remains have been found in certain archeological finds.
Will Coyotes Cause Prey Species to Become Extinct?
NO. A smart predator would NEVER kill all his prey. Coyotes are a smart predator and have never been ersponsible for killing oof a species. Man however, is a different story. Since Man has walked the earth, they have directly caused the extinction and extirpation of millions of species of plants and animals.
Do Coyotes Kill Domestic Cats and Dogs?
Sure. So do cars, diseases, neighbors guns, owls, domestic dogs, poisons, traps, snares and over crowded shelters. If you allow your cats and dogs to roam freely something bad IS going to happen to them. Dogs and Cats kill plenty of wildlife on their own too. It is easy to blame the coyotes when your pet comes up missing, but face the facts here. Keep your animals near you and in the home and they will live a long healthy life.
Do Coyotes Control Deer Populations?
Not according to Deer Biologists. Ken Koerth, noted deer biologist is quoted in Whitetail Magazine as saying that "coyotes normally can't control deer populations on their own". Many deer hunters are disappointed when they return home empty handed and find it easier to blame coyotes than themselves. Ask the home owners in the suburbs if there are not enough deer... Ask the Auto Insurance Agents what they think too...
What are the Coyote Bite and Death Statistics
Did you know that there are only two human deaths attributed to a coyote attack in recorded history? The latest death of a young musician is still being investigated. Compare to the 15 - 20 deaths per year attributed to domestic dog attacks. Coyote bites that require hospitalization are extremely rare and of course, newsworth because of their rarity. Compare this to the roughly 1,000 domestic dog bites per day treated in USA emergency rooms! Coyote attacks are clearly not a realistic threat- but domestic dog attacks ARE. Nearly all coyote attacks can be attributed to humans feeding coyotes, either knowlingly, or through carelessness. Don't feed the coyotes.
Do Coyotes Decrease Turkey Populations?
NO. Disease can wipe out an entire flock of birds. Coyotes prey on the slowest, weakest birds. It is these birds that are likely coming down with a virus that could potentially wipe out the entire flock. Studies show that the Wild Turkey Population in New England is larger and stronger than ever - Thanks to coyotes!
Does Killing Coyotes Control Their Population?
FACT: NO! Did you know that when coyotes are killed it stimulates population growth through larger litters, stronger pups and more breeding females in an area? The only thing that controls the population of coyotes is the amount of available prey. Hunting and trapping causes MORE coyotes the following year!

December 31, 2009

Maine Coyote Killing Tournament Opposed

Groups fight Maine coyote tournament

Submitted by John Richardson on Wed, 12/30/2009 - 12:05

A coalition of national and state groups are calling for an end to a coyote-hunting tournament in northern Maine.

The Jackman-Moose River Region Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the Somerset County tournament, which includes prizes of up to $500 for the hunter who kills the most coyotes and the hunter who kills the largest. The tournament opened Dec. 16 and continues until Jan. 30.

Coyote hunting has become popular, especially among deer hunters who consider the predators a threat to the state’s whitetail deer herd. Biologists, meanwhile, say coyotes do have an impact on deer numbers although severe winters and loss of habitat are mostly to blame for declining deer populations and reduced hunting opportunities.

Organizations opposing the tournament include Project Coyote, the Animal Welfare Institute, the Wildlife Alliance of Maine, The Humane Society of the United States, The Maine Wolf Coalition, and Friends of Merrymeeting Bay. They argue the contest is an unethical and “ecologically reckless” blood sport.

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