50,000 WILE E. COYOTES IN WV - Chasing More Than Roadrunners

(07/30/2006)

West Virginia could have 50,000 Wile E. Coyotes. Unlike the Looneytoon cartoon coyote that could never catch the Roadrunner, WV coyotes are much more successful with other prey. Sheep, goats and other farm animals fall prey to the cunning and fast coyotes and livestock in fenced pastures are easy prey. Now, a state-funded program overseen by the US Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services office in Elkins does have a few gadgets to help, like traps, poisonous collars and bait. The program targets only the most aggressive coyotes. Director Bill Bonwell says only about 20 percent of coyotes attack livestock. Besides chemical controls, Bonwell's office stresses common sense approaches like using stronger fences and guard dogs. Coyotes have been recorded in all 55 counties, but there is funding to help residents in 20 counties.

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