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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/28/taylor-mitchell-singerson_n_337836.html
I know I've brought this subject up to friends before and they sort of pooh pooh the idea or think having a dog will protect them. I know in Big Meadows they have coyote warnings on some of the trails and even here in the Metro Area parks there are worsening issues.
Coyotes are clever. A bitch in heat will lure a domestic dog out so that the pack can kill it. They are fast, clever and victims of our own stupidity since we've caused the imbalance that now exists. They are a very real threat when organised and determined and this time of year along with Spring is particularly bad.
What a horrific death for anyone, much less someone so promising. So, that big can of bear deterrent isn't just for bears. Always assume that if you see one coyote there are more present, they rarely travel alone, but they do send out scouts and diverters.
Never, ever feed a coyote. They are wild, cunning and desperate. They aren't big, but they are organised. Don't approach a cub. Try to stay of a known area at dusk and after. There are signs on the trails at the National Parks.
If you hike alone, bring that spray, a big stick and a big voice or whistle and well, I don't mean to be alarmist, it just seems some people I've spoken to think they are kinda like small dogs. I have to say I find the attitude of the wildlife 'expert' a bit cavalier. Most animals are 'shy' but hunger leads to measures not normally taken. Living with humans does the same thing, just as it has to bears. To be frank, I kinda want to bitch slap him a little.
I know I've brought this subject up to friends before and they sort of pooh pooh the idea or think having a dog will protect them. I know in Big Meadows they have coyote warnings on some of the trails and even here in the Metro Area parks there are worsening issues.
Coyotes are clever. A bitch in heat will lure a domestic dog out so that the pack can kill it. They are fast, clever and victims of our own stupidity since we've caused the imbalance that now exists. They are a very real threat when organised and determined and this time of year along with Spring is particularly bad.
What a horrific death for anyone, much less someone so promising. So, that big can of bear deterrent isn't just for bears. Always assume that if you see one coyote there are more present, they rarely travel alone, but they do send out scouts and diverters.
Never, ever feed a coyote. They are wild, cunning and desperate. They aren't big, but they are organised. Don't approach a cub. Try to stay of a known area at dusk and after. There are signs on the trails at the National Parks.
If you hike alone, bring that spray, a big stick and a big voice or whistle and well, I don't mean to be alarmist, it just seems some people I've spoken to think they are kinda like small dogs. I have to say I find the attitude of the wildlife 'expert' a bit cavalier. Most animals are 'shy' but hunger leads to measures not normally taken. Living with humans does the same thing, just as it has to bears. To be frank, I kinda want to bitch slap him a little.