01-11-2004, 12:43 PM
[cool][size 1]A lot of logic in that. But lions, being cats, are much different than coyotes. No matter how much we hunt, trap and poison coyotes they just keep increasing and adapting to the new hazards we create for them.[/size]
[size 1]I have heard it said that there are more coyotes in the USA today than there were when Chris Columbus wandered off course and "found" our country. What's worse is that most coyote populations today make a living off humans (and their animals) rather than their "natural" prey...because we have mostly eradicated their normal food supply.[/size]
[size 1]Here in Arizona we almost take coyotes for granted. You see them everywhere. It is not uncommon to see them wandering down a major street, in the middle of the day, just like a neighborhood dog. At night they eat all the pet food that has been left out for Fifi and Fluffy...and will kill and eat any pets that are not kept inside too. [/size]
[size 1]Lots of stories around here of folks who have had coyotes run in and snatch small dogs away from their owners, while being walked on a leash. But, unless the "yodel poodles" actually attack a human, or appear to be a threat to small children, there is not much done to eliminate them.[/size]
[size 1]Cougars, on the other hand, are solitary animals. They are shy and wary...if they have a reason to be. But, like you pointed out, if humans are perceived only as a nuisance...that can make an acceptable snack...then we "get no respect" from them.[/size]
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[size 1]I have heard it said that there are more coyotes in the USA today than there were when Chris Columbus wandered off course and "found" our country. What's worse is that most coyote populations today make a living off humans (and their animals) rather than their "natural" prey...because we have mostly eradicated their normal food supply.[/size]
[size 1]Here in Arizona we almost take coyotes for granted. You see them everywhere. It is not uncommon to see them wandering down a major street, in the middle of the day, just like a neighborhood dog. At night they eat all the pet food that has been left out for Fifi and Fluffy...and will kill and eat any pets that are not kept inside too. [/size]
[size 1]Lots of stories around here of folks who have had coyotes run in and snatch small dogs away from their owners, while being walked on a leash. But, unless the "yodel poodles" actually attack a human, or appear to be a threat to small children, there is not much done to eliminate them.[/size]
[size 1]Cougars, on the other hand, are solitary animals. They are shy and wary...if they have a reason to be. But, like you pointed out, if humans are perceived only as a nuisance...that can make an acceptable snack...then we "get no respect" from them.[/size]
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