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Biltmore residents want aggressive coyotes gone
John Faherty
The Arizona Republic
Jun. 28, 2007 12:00 AM
An irony became immediately apparent at a community meeting Wednesday night as residents in the Biltmore area discussed aggressive coyotes in their neighborhood.
Person after person stood up and announced their love of animals, then immediately argued for killing coyotes.
Residents of the area say that in recent months, coyotes have become increasingly aggressive.
They say that the coyotes have lost their fear of humans and that small pets in the wealthy area are being attacked at an alarming rate.
Two weeks ago, two large male coyotes were shot and killed in the area by the U.S. Department of Agriculture agents when it was decided that the animals' behavior posed a threat to humans.
But an immediate plan to kill more of the animals is not likely.
The meeting, which was organized by Phoenix Councilman Greg Stanton, resulted in a call for residents to work with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to develop an integrated management plan.
Darren Julian, the urban wildlife specialist with the Game and Fish Department, said his agency was open to all possible solutions to the problem, but he tried repeatedly to let people know that killing the animals was not practical.
Coyotes are not easy to hunt, and more importantly, he said, killing the animals would only result in new coyotes moving into the area.
People at the meeting were not impressed.
"I find this totally unacceptable," Ken Veit, 68, said, his voice rising. "Your solution is to live with them. I'm so angry I could scream."
The Biltmore area is particularly attractive to coyotes. Golf courses provide open spaces and small lakes. There are plenty of rabbits and quail and geese and ducks.
When those food supplies are not enough, coyotes have taken cats and small dogs.
It is the loss of pets that brought many of the more than 100 people to the meeting.
Residents talked of their dogs being stalked or attacked on walks. Some have lost their pets in their backyard.
Julian hoped the integrated management plan would include residents working together to increase the coyotes' fear of humans, which has clearly waned.
During his presentation on coyotes, he said, "If you hate them, be rude to them. If you love them, be rude to them."
To be rude, Julian said to make loud noises and throw things at the animals. He even presented a large water gun and suggested a mixture of ammonia and water would make the animals very unhappy.
Those suggestions were not well received by most in attendance.
Stanton remained confident that residents of the area he represents would eventually be able to work with Game and Fish.
"We balance interests all the time," Stanton said. "We try to find common ground."
John Faherty
The Arizona Republic
Jun. 28, 2007 12:00 AM
An irony became immediately apparent at a community meeting Wednesday night as residents in the Biltmore area discussed aggressive coyotes in their neighborhood.
Person after person stood up and announced their love of animals, then immediately argued for killing coyotes.
Residents of the area say that in recent months, coyotes have become increasingly aggressive.
They say that the coyotes have lost their fear of humans and that small pets in the wealthy area are being attacked at an alarming rate.
Two weeks ago, two large male coyotes were shot and killed in the area by the U.S. Department of Agriculture agents when it was decided that the animals' behavior posed a threat to humans.
But an immediate plan to kill more of the animals is not likely.
The meeting, which was organized by Phoenix Councilman Greg Stanton, resulted in a call for residents to work with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to develop an integrated management plan.
Darren Julian, the urban wildlife specialist with the Game and Fish Department, said his agency was open to all possible solutions to the problem, but he tried repeatedly to let people know that killing the animals was not practical.
Coyotes are not easy to hunt, and more importantly, he said, killing the animals would only result in new coyotes moving into the area.
People at the meeting were not impressed.
"I find this totally unacceptable," Ken Veit, 68, said, his voice rising. "Your solution is to live with them. I'm so angry I could scream."
The Biltmore area is particularly attractive to coyotes. Golf courses provide open spaces and small lakes. There are plenty of rabbits and quail and geese and ducks.
When those food supplies are not enough, coyotes have taken cats and small dogs.
It is the loss of pets that brought many of the more than 100 people to the meeting.
Residents talked of their dogs being stalked or attacked on walks. Some have lost their pets in their backyard.
Julian hoped the integrated management plan would include residents working together to increase the coyotes' fear of humans, which has clearly waned.
During his presentation on coyotes, he said, "If you hate them, be rude to them. If you love them, be rude to them."
To be rude, Julian said to make loud noises and throw things at the animals. He even presented a large water gun and suggested a mixture of ammonia and water would make the animals very unhappy.
Those suggestions were not well received by most in attendance.
Stanton remained confident that residents of the area he represents would eventually be able to work with Game and Fish.
"We balance interests all the time," Stanton said. "We try to find common ground."
