Too quick to kill? The 2009 Nova Scotia Coyote caused death of Singer Taylor Mitchell rings loudly in this report from Tennessee and the Smokey Mountains Park where Rangers euthanized a Coyote that had been demonstrating continuing aggressive behavior toward humans...........Habituation to human food seems to be the "smoking gun" in this case.........................

Wildlife officials kill coyote that had been approaching people in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Wildlife officials at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have euthanized a coyote after the animal repeatedly approached visitors. Park wildlife biologist Bill Stiver said the female juvenile coyote's behavior was first reported March 11 and they tried to keep it from approaching visitors by harassing it with a paintball gun with no luck.


The coyote was shot on March 31 after efforts to trap it failed. According to reports obtained by The Knoxville News Sentinel, the animal showed no fear of people and was apparently looking for food left by visitors at the Cades Cove area of the park. The animal was sent to a lab for rabies testing. Coyotes are well-established throughout the Smokies.