Coyotes need not be ugly.(READERS respond)(Brief article)

A big thank you for saying something positive about coyotes! ("Redemption for Wile E. Coyote," Mike Taylor, June).

There is so much negativity in the press about coyotes, your article was a breath of fresh air.

I had been volunteering with WildEarth Guardians since February (which is breeding season when the coyotes become more protective of their cubs), hazing the coyotes in the parks. I have been baffled over the apparent overreaction the city seems to be perpetuating.

During all my walks, at various times of the day, I never even encountered a coyote. Other volunteers who have encountered them said they never showed any unusual signs of aggression. It really makes me wonder if the city is exaggerating its "problem" to appease a very vocal and influential minority who either don't understand this clever animal or who are simply afraid of coyotes.

I also question the recent actions of the city of Greenwood Village using firearms in city parks. Recently, they shot and maimed three coyotes that ran off, so we not only have "Limpy" (who was probably shot by the city a few years ago), we now have three more injured coyotes running around Greenwood Village. An injured animal is often more aggressive than one that is not.

During this time, I also noticed many individuals with dogs off leash in the parks, along the canal and other nature areas, and interestingly, many of these dogs I saw were very small ones such as poodles and Chihuahuas. To a coyote, this is a very enticing snack. No one wants their dog attacked, but coyotes cannot and should not be punished for doing as nature intended. The coyote has no idea if they are going after a wild prairie dog or a domestic animal. People need to be more responsible and watch their pets.

Unless a coyote is overtly or unusually aggressive or rabid, killing is an ineffective way to deal with them. Most experts agree that hazing (making them fear humans) is the most effective way of dealing with urban coyotes.

--BARB ADAMS, PARKER

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