Coyote populations have been expanding throughout the United States, and in the absence of hunting or trapping, these wily dogs can become pretty fearless of humans and civilization.
Marc Folco’s recent article in South Coast Today highlights the growing coyote problem in the state of Massachusetts, where a ban on trapping has been in place since 1996. While a bit inaccurate in his comparison between soft-catch and steel jawed traps, Folco’s main point is on target: coyotes are causing problems in Massachusetts, and trapping is the most effective way to deal with problem coyotes. Along with just a few other states, Massachusetts voted to ban trapping via an animal rights-funded ballot initiative, and has been paying the price for it in animal damage problems ever since.
Some Massachusetts residents still hunt coyotes, but it just isn’t a very effective method in many areas. In reality, a restoration of trapping in the state is the only surefire way to solve the problems caused by these predators.
Many who are nervous about the use of steel jawed foothold traps would benefit from watching the video, “Destroying the Myth”. This production of the National Trappers Association shows furbearers being captured and released unharmed in the same traps used by most trappers today.
Experts who deal with coyotes on a regular basis know that a well balanced population of furbearers with a healthy fear of man is the best situation for both the coyotes and the public.
Leave a Reply