Rochester Sierra Club Blog

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Eco-Terrorism?

by Frank J. Regan

“Too grisly to print” according to the Monday March 6 edition of the Daily Messenger. We acquired a copy of the subject photograph. It shows a coyote skinned and left in the driveway of someone who had the nerve to speak out against the Coyote Killing Contest in Honeoye. We too decided not to print the disturbing photograph in these pages. We decided to leave this space bereft of the photograph because it would otherwise instantly halt all rational discussion on the role of the coyote in our area.

Our efforts have been to educate the public on the larger role of top predator in an environment increasingly hostile towards anything that annoys some people. (Note our very successful program on coyotes last November--see below). 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation admits that it needs to investigate the role that the Eastern Coyote now plays in an area without other major predators. But that is going to be difficult if a thoughtful inquiry is set against a background of prejudice, misinformation, and hideous retaliations for differing views on the worth of another creature.

No other North American animal has more misinformation perpetuated about it than the Eastern Coyote. Just the sight of a coyote gives most people an adrenalin rush that makes them think they have to 'do something' about the presence of this animal.  Learn what can be done to protect our pets and how we can best avoid conflicts. Learn the natural history of coyotes and sort myth from fact.  

The Sierra Club membership program on Nov 15, 2005, brought out a crowd of people to learn about the habits and habitat of the wily eastern coyote. The speaker was Elise Able of Fox Wood Wildlife Rescue, located in East Concord NY. During the next week, the Rochester club got information about a town of Irondequoit photographer who was at the right place at the right time to take a photo of a coyote in the Rochester region.

The magnificent animal (who looks to be very fit and healthy) sure blends into the landscape as it is on the run in late fall. In general the coyote goes after small rodents but can come into conflict in suburban neighbors if dogs or cats are on the loose.

Thanks to Ron Sauter, professional photographer and wildlife enthusiast with international experience (www.ronsauter.com) for his willingness to share his photo on our website. All rights are reserved by Ron Sauter.

 
Resources:

• Living With the Wiley Coyote - E-Files - Sierra Club The Navajo call the coyote "God's dog" and, in some ways, this member of the dog family does seem to enjoy divine benefaction. While virtually every other North American predator has seen its numbers decline, the coyote has managed to increase both its range and numbers during the past century -- despite a long history of trapping, poisoning, and hunting by humans.
• The Coyote in New York State - From the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry... The coyote has been present in New York state for about 85 years. As with its western cousin, the eastern coyote has been the object of much controversy as well as curiosity.
• The Coyote in New York The Eastern Coyote - at a glance Description: The Eastern coyote looks like a medium-sized German shepherd dog, with long thick fur. The tail is full and bushy, usually carried pointing down. Ears are erect and pointed. Length:4 to 5 feet (including tail) Weight: 35 to 45 pounds (males usually larger than females.) Color:Variable, from blonde or reddish blonde to dark tan washed with black. Legs, ears and cheeks usually reddish.
• Fox Wood Wildlife Rescue, Inc --- Fox Wood Wildlife Rescue is a Wildlife Rehabilitation facility, Education Center and Sanctuary located in East Concord, NY.
• The Humane Society of the United States The human-animal bond is as old as human history. We cherish our animal companions for their unconditional affection and acceptance. We feel a thrill when we glimpse wild creatures in their natural habitat or in our own backyard. Unfortunately, the human-animal bond has at times been weakened. Humans have exploited some animal species to the point of extinction.

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