Exaggerating and sensationalizing one human-coyote interaction is not helpful to humans or coyotes
From Animal Defenders of Westchester (ADOW)

We advocate on all animal protection and exploitation issues, including experimentation, factory farming, rodeos, breeders and traveling animal acts.

Exaggerating and sensationalizing one human-coyote interaction is not helpful to humans or coyotes

Letter as published on RisingMediaGroup.com
March 30, 2018

Dear Editor:

In his March 16 column, “Coyotes, Nor’ Easters and Mailboxes OH MY!” Eric Schoen does no one any favors by exaggerating and sensationalizing the coyote incident. It was quite unfortunate and upsetting, but it was an isolated event involving one coyote.

This incident was covered extensively in the media that made it clear when the coyote was caught. Yet Mr. Schoen spreads more fear by falsely stating there may be another animal on the loose.

Understandably, people need to take precautions if they encounter any sick animal, should not leave pets unattended for many reasons, and should be informed on how to haze or chase a healthy one. But robo-calls would only cause unneeded panic, and scenarios about encountering coyotes foaming at the mouth are not helpful.

Coyotes have been here for decades and will continue to be a part of our ecosystem. Recently a hunter shot a dog by its home, mistaking it for a coyote. Toning down the hype would be wise.

Rebecca Sunshine
Hartsdale

Return to: Letters
Read more at Stop Hunting/Trapping/Fishing