It can be hard to have compassion for predators. Their diets include creatures that we consider cute. We may not understand their natural behavior, or expect to see them in our urban environment. But predators are our neighbors, too, particularly as they are increasingly pushed out of wild spaces by our relentless development. Having lost so much to humans, predators deserve our very best efforts at shared coexistence in our yards and neighborhoods.
The relationship with predators must, however, be very different than the relationship we have with domesticated animals or more common wildlife like squirrels and songbirds. Certain boundaries must be respected for everyone’s safety. Even people who are not hostile to predators can endanger them by habituating them to humans (despite the best of intentions). We are predators, too, and it is not kind to lull creatures into a false sense of security around us. There is a conservation saying that “a fed animal is a dead animal.” Apex predators should not be encouraged to approach humans seeking food. Likewise, there is a saying that we should generally share space—but not time—with coyotes.
Come to next month’s North Loop Neighborhood Association on Wednesday, July 2, at 7:00 p.m. at the Commune to hear from City of Austin Animal Protection Officer-Wildlife Emery Sadkin about “Peacefully Coexisting with Coyotes.” You will learn about tools like coyote vests for cats and small dogs, fence rollers and suggestions for securing chicken coops, as well as how to respond to escorting (when a coyote follows a dog walker to “escort” a dog perceived as a threat away from their coyote pups). You will also learn about when humane hazing is appropriate to discourage interaction with humans (and, equally importantly, when it is not appropriate to haze because a coyote is injured, cornered, near/with pups). Those who are unable to attend or who wish to learn more can find a calendar of coyote seasons (showing that we are currently in denning season) and a helpful flow chart, “I see a coyote! Now what?,” on the City’s website. https://www.austintexas.gov/page/coyotes-central-texas Additionally, Project Coyote has helpful videos about humane hazing and a handy “Yard Audit Checklist.” https://projectcoyote.org/coexist/coyote-friendly-communities
North Loop Neighborhood Association 