When the interests of animals appear to be in conflict, it makes our work at the humane society more challenging.  This was the case when a few beloved dogs and cats were killed by coyotes in the New Orleans area.  HSL stepped forward to do two things: to encourage people to protect their pets and to promote humane coyote management practices.  Meanwhile, police officers in Jefferson parish opened fire on the coyotes.  Extermination programs such as shooting and poisoning have repeatedly been proven to be ineffective.  As a result, in communities across our nation, coyote populations continue to thrive.  While we empathize with anyone who has lost a beloved animal, practicality and compassion require us to coexist peacefully with our wild neighbors whenever possible.  In both local and national radio and television interviews, our Executive Director, Jeff Dorson, urged residents to keep their pets supervised when outdoors.  He also urged that the pet killings be viewed in perspective, pointing out that coyote attacks on humans are extremely uncommon, while thousands of people and small pets are bitten by feral or roaming dogs each year.  HSL and LAWRA (Louisiana Wildlife Rehabilitators Association) also co-hosted the first in a series of "Coyote Coexistence Meetings' in Harahan, the site of some of the recent coyote sightings and attacks.  More than 100 area residents attended the Harahan meeting, and the local Police Chief, Mac Dickinson, made the opening remarks.  The goal of the meeting was to educate the populace and the encourage the use of more effective and humane coyote management practices.  This debate is likely to be an ongoing one.  To learn more about coyotes and to download educational brochures go to www.projectcoyote.com.  

Coyote Pup

SOME FACTS ABOUT COYOTES

• However cute and dog-like they may be, you should never feed a coyote; this encourages them to lose their fear of humans.  As the group Project Coyote puts it:  A fed coyote is a dead coyote.

• If you encounter a coyote when walking your small dog, pick up your pet.  Make yourself seem as "big and loud" as possible to the coyote:  yelling and making noise and waving your arms.

• Never run from a coyote or any predator.

• Throw objects at a coyote to discourage him from coming forward, avoiding the head.  This will teach coyotes to avoid a particular area.