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Group Calls for Singer to Promote Wildlife Co-Existence DENVER - Today, singer Jessica Simpson reports that her Maltese-poodle mix called “Daisy” was snatched by a coyote in Los Angeles. “As a dog lover, who cherishes my very special canine companions, I wish to express my sincere regret to Ms. Simpson over her loss,” said Wendy Keefover-Ring, Director of Carnivore Protection for WildEarth Guardians. “I know first hand that losing a companion animal comes as a devastating blow, and yet I hope that Ms. Simpson can help us carry our message about co-existing with coyotes-not only to prevent future mishaps, but because coyotes are one of the most persecuted animals on the planet, yet are essential to ecosystems,” Keefover-Ring added. Coyotes are typically shy and fearful of humans unless they have become habituated by humans through intentional or unintentional feeding regimes. Coyotes are important ecosystem actors, without them the number of species in a habitat will decline - they are especially important in indirectly maintaining populations of ground-nesting birds-including those prevalent in California. Killing coyotes (through traps, snares, poisons, and aerial gunning) does not reduce their populations because they will make up for lost members by using several different breeding and immigration strategies. The key to preventing negative interactions with coyotes in urban areas includes: Restrict birdfeeders because they attract rodents, prey for coyotes, and because coyotes are omnivorous and will take an opportunistic meal. Keep cats indoors in coyote habitat. Keep dogs (especially small, un-neutered or un-sprayed dogs) indoors or confined by coyote-proof barriers such as fences or runways, or keep dogs on a leash. Do not leave pet food or garbage in places where coyotes can access them. Pick ripened fruit-and keep fruit off of the ground. WildEarth Guardians has led efforts over the past year to educate people about coyotes and co-existence in urban areas. Our cadre of volunteers routinely walk in urban open spaces and haze coyotes that appear unafraid of humans, in order to prevent negative human-coyote encounters. View WildEarth Guardians’ Coyote Fact Sheet: ../support_docs/downloads/factsheet_coyote.pdf Learn about Coyote Persecution: ../support_docs/report-war-on-wildlife-june-09-lo.pdf Learn about WildEarth Guardians’ ongoing efforts to Promote Coyote Co-Existence and End Urban Persecution: http://articles.latimes.com/2009/may/11/nation/na-coyotes11 |
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