I did attend Dr. Frairs NY Coyotes talk in Hamburg, NY. I was nervous, as the Erie County Sportsmans Federation had arranged the talk, and they are pushing for a year round season on coyotes. I figured what she had to say must in some way support their request.
However, She told the truth- the coyotes were mainly scavenging deer, but they found three deer the coyotes killed. Those three deer were "walking dead" though, suffering from gunshot wounds and / or broken legs. She also said numerous cameras were set up at den sites- as per the reports by coyote haters that she could count the number of fawns brought back to the dens that way. The cameras did not record a single fawn brought back to any of the dens- dispelling that myth. They also analyzed much coyote scat, found mostly deer, then rodents. Only one scat had evidence of a cat in it. They also found scat with livestock in it, but were able to confirm the livestock was scavenged , not killed.
One guy asked her if a year round season on coyotes would reduce their numbers, she said, not likely as they rebound. The DEC agreed with this.
Someone else asked about rabies, she said it was not an issue. --note coyotes can contract rabies but are not the mass carriers that skunks, racoons and even foxes can be of this disease--blogger Rick
All in all, I think a lot of hunters were very disappointed that she did not report what they are all hoping she would- that they were killing all the deer, fawns, cats and dogs and children would be next. Unfortunately, most of these guys are not educate-able and will probably disregard her study and continue forming their own opinions that suit their desires.
Elise Able
East Concord, NY
http://foxwoodrehab.typepad.com/
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