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Topic: Flora & Fauna     Department: Letters

Lessons from coyote country

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After reading "Trickster moves to town," I came to the conclusion that a lot of people who live in or near coyote country have little understanding of what it means to coexist with wild animals (HCN, 12/20/10). I lived in a subdivision southeast of Santa Fe, N.M., for more than 10 years and had numerous encounters with coyotes. They often came into my yard, or met me while I was out with my dog, but they never were a threat.

There were stories of neighbors letting their cats out at night and losing them to coyotes, or dogs getting into fights with coyotes and getting injured. But I don't recall ever hearing any complaints about them. What was a problem, however, was dogs running loose in the neighborhood and posing a threat to humans. As housing developments encroach on animal habitats we owe them tolerance, not banishment.  

Tom Thompson
Santa Fe, New Mexico

Coyote
Linda
Linda
Jan 21, 2011 10:42 AM
Well said, Mr. Thompson - You are absolutely correct!

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