City Of Carson, California To Start Coyote Trapping

I was saddened to read that two weeks ago the city of Carson, CA voted to begin coyote trapping. I am a California native and do not live far from the city of Carson currently. I was actually a resident of that city a few years ago. I, myself, have never even seen a coyote in California. However, apparently some residents of a local Carson mobile home park called Carson Harbor Village issued a few complaints to get this process escalated. Now, despite animal advocates' attempts, the city will be spending a hefty $10,000 to have a trapper set up snares throughout the city. These snares are made of wires that cinch around the animal's neck. These have the ability to strangle the coyotes to death, but if the coyotes do not die, they will be captured and euthanized. The state of California does not allow for relocation, only coyote trapping and killing.

Coyotes are native to this land. They have survived for years despite being the most persecuted of wild dogs. Humans have been capturing and killing them relentlessly and yet they continue to thrive. That is how they have earned the reputation of being the most intelligent of the wild dogs. It is possible to peacefully coexist with these beautiful creatures. The people of Carson would have been able to put their funds to much better use if they had simply educated their residents on how to make their community less desirable for the coyotes. We humans often blame animals for coming into "our territory" and fear that they will harm our pets and children. Well, it is our fault that they are coming closer and closer to our homes. First, we are in their territory. Second, we simply need to take better precautions with our pets and children. Also, it is best not to feed our pets outside. Coyotes are attracted by the pet food that is left out so often as it is easy for them to access. They also enjoy rummaging through our garbage. This can be solved by acquiring more secure containers. If we encourage the coyotes to rely on us less they will back off a bit more and go back to hunting for their own food in the wild.

I have seen coyotes in the different states that I have lived in such as Arizona and Colorado. I often saw them near my apartment in Aurora, Co where I walked my dog. These are not vicious animals. They are more afraid of you and your dog than you are of them. My favorite quote from the newspaper article about Carson, CA came from a woman in the mobile home community who filed a complaint. She stated that she "often sees single coyotes sunning themselves in her front yard". Wow. What a threat. However, yes, if you leave your cat outside unattended it may go missing. That is why it is important to be a responsible pet owner, but coyote trapping is not the answer. We should not punish and kill these animals because of our mistakes.

Coyotes mate for life. They usually live in small groups consisting of the parent dogs, and the young pups. Coyote trapping causes these families to be separated and the young left to fend for themselves. This is a cruel practice. On top of that, the coyotes that remain will begin to breed at more rapid rates to replace those they lost. Also, more animals may move in from outside the area to fill in the gaps. This is a losing and unnecessary battle on the part of Carson, CA. Please join with PETA and Project Coyote (a nonprofit organization based in California) in speaking out against this rash determination that has taken place. The animal rights advocates have already stated their intent to persevere in trying to get the decision rescinded. They can always use an extra voice. Fight for the coyotes. Do not let another beautiful animal be subjected to our inhumane ways.