Bridgeport resident Keith Gould reported that a coyote was seen in his yard on West Philadelphia Avenue. This photo was captured by a neighbor between 8 and 9 a.m. today, Thurs., April 2. Gould wants residents to be aware of the threat to pets. People should be on guard, too.

 

Below are some excerpts from an article on the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources Web site. Read the article in its entirety HERE:

 

Often classed as carnivores, in reality coyotes are omnivores and will consume almost anything. Analysis of stomach contents and scat reveal fruits, berries, vegetables, small rodents, deer, livestock, birds, insects, carrion and even garbage. Obviously, the presence of deer and livestock in the diet of coyotes has caused the most concern for hunters and landowners. Sheep producers in West Virginia have suffered the most loss by predation and have been provided some relief through a cooperative effort by the Division of Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services. Hunters should note that in the results of a recent study on white-tailed deer fawn survival, only 9 percent of total losses was attributed to coyotes. Given the varied diet of coyotes, it is unlikely that they will limit deer numbers in West Virginia. Other than humans, coyotes have few enemies and adult survival is relatively high. However, coyotes are subject to a variety of diseases including distemper, mange, canine hepatitis and rabies. They also play host to a number of parasites such as round worms, tapeworms, flukes, ticks, fleas and lice.

 

… As coyote populations increase, so do interactions with humans. In some counties, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services provides support for coyote depredation of livestock. Licensed Wildlife Damage Control agents are available to provide assistance to landowners. In some cases, the West Virginia Trappers Association can provide the name of a trapper with experience in trapping coyotes. Coyotes are wary of humans and typically avoid close contact. In recent years, however, increasing levels of coyote-human interactions, including attacks, have been reported. Generally close encounters with coyotes are the result of a loss of fear and associating humans with available food resources. Some simple precautions can reduce or eliminate the likelihood of such encounters. Pet food should not be left outside after dark, household garbage should be secured to prevent access, and feeding coyotes is only an invitation for trouble. Coyotes deserve the respect and caution offered any wild predator, without succumbing to irrational fear.