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Thursday, May 17, 2012

Dogs, Coyotes and Humans: Can They Co-Exist?


Well, from our urban lair vantage point , we say a hearty, "Yes"! But apparently a few San Franciscans don't agree. This article in The New York Times from just a few days ago discusses the continuing controversy in that fair city about "how close is too close" for wildlife to co-exist with us domesticated animals.

Coyotes have started to appear in the city's vast number of parks, and sometimes into "expensive backyards" and this has caused a bit of an uproar in the city where so many hearts have been left behind. City officials have been proactive: cordoning off trails and even barricading a restroom in Golden Gate Park where coyote sightings have been reported: April through August is the pup-rearing season, and the coyotes are believed to be protecting their dens and newborns.

But in this city where dogs significantly outnumber children, dog owners don't always heed officials' warnings to keep their canine companions leashed, and that's when some of the trouble ensues. Although no coyote attacks on dogs have been documented this season, unsubstantiated reports are "raising the hysteria level", said the director of the city's Animal Care and Control.

Yikes! A Wiley Coyote Alert!  Photo courtesy of Ramin Rahimian for The New York Times

What we find most interesting about this controversy is the differing opinions on how to approach a workable solution. Some residents think it's "pretty cool" to see wild animals within the boundaries of a big city, others abide by the trap and remove theory of "coexistence".

What side do you come out on-or is there a solution that accommodates both? We'd love to know!

2 comments:

Duke said...

Mom doesn't like to see wild animals on our property. We have too many waterfowl that could become prey and she worries about us coming into contact with them.

Love ya lots,
Mitch and Molly

Two French Bulldogs said...

forget parks, coyotes have appeared in our parking lot by the beach
Snorts
Benny & Lily

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