“Biology isn’t hard. It’s the managing of the people that’s difficult.”
~ Franz Camenzind, Project Coyote Science Advisory Board (from “Reviled predator, often a target of ‘coyote whacking,’ is gaining a flicker of respect,” Los Angeles Times, March 25, 2019)
Ever since European colonists stepped foot on this continent, bears, coyotes, mountain lions, wolves and other native carnivores have been viewed with antipathy and misunderstanding. This prejudice, which is often fueled by fear, has led private individuals and governments to kill these animals by the millions—in competitions for entertainment and prizes, and by shooting, aerial gunning, poisoning, baiting, trapping, and even killing pups in their dens.
At Project Coyote, we firmly believe that education is the key to shifting the way we view and treat the wild carnivores of North America who are intrinsically valuable in their own right, and so vital to our ecosystems. Through our Coyote Friendly Communities™ program, we educate and equip urban and rural audiences with the tools, resources and expertise needed to foster coexistence with wildlife. We seek to change negative attitudes toward misunderstood carnivores by replacing ignorance and fear with understanding, respect and appreciation.
One way we spread our message of coexistence is through the media. Providing science-based factual information through pitched stories and opinion pieces is key to shifting public perception about coyotes and other wildlife. We wanted to share some recent news coverage on the topic featuring or written by members of our pack:
- David Montero, “Reviled predator, often a target of ‘coyote whacking,’ is gaining a flicker of respect,” Los Angeles Times (March 25, 2019).
- Camilla Fox & Project Coyote Ambassador Dan Flores, “Coyote–killing contests have no place in NM,” Albuquerque Journal (March 17, 2019).
- Mary Katherine Ray & Project Coyote Science Advisory Board member Dave Parsons, “Telling the scientific truth about coyotes,” Santa Fe New Mexican (February 9, 2019).
- Camilla Fox & Project Coyote Ambassador Dan Flores, “It’s time to end coyote killing contests in Oregon,” Register-Guard (March 17, 2019).
Members of our team also provide public presentations to communities across the country about living with coyotes—here are two articles about upcoming presentations by Project Coyote’s New Hampshire & Vermont Representative Chris Schadler and Massachusetts Representative John Maguranis:
- Samantha Mercado, “Weston Coyote Seminar Offers Insight To Local Animal,” Patch (March 22, 2019).
- “ACT’s March Speaker To Shed A Light On The Real Eastern Coyote,” Caledonian Record (March 23, 2019).
You can help Project Coyote spread the message about coexistence in your community—dispel myths about native carnivores; educate about the benefits of living with carnivores and how to keep people and pets safe; and explain how to “haze” coyotes when they’ve become habituated to humans. Submit letters to the editor on the topic and share links to Project Coyote’s science-based materials in the comment section of relevant news articles; educate your neighborhoods on NextDoor; give presentations in your community; and share our materials (which we can co-brand) with your coworkers, friends, family, neighbors, and others. Here are links to our coexistence materials:
- Doorhangers, signs, tip cards, brochures, and more
- Factsheet about why killing coyotes is counterproductive
- Information about coyotes, foxes and other native carnivores
- Information about Project Coyote’s Coyote Friendly Communitiesprogram
For questions and guidance, please email us at info@projectcoyote.org.
As always, thank you for your support and for helping to protect native carnivores from cruelty!
Katie Stennes
Programs & Communications Manager
Katie Stennes
Programs & Communications Manager
