WILD COYOTES INCREASING IN CAPE COUNTY

Many residents of rural Cape Girardeau County have recently noticed a growth in the local coyote population, evidenced by increasing reports of evening howling by the creatures.

While numbers are up significantly -- not just in Cape Girardeau County but statewide -- with all the racket the animals make those who reside in coyote territory may feel like they're surrounded.

"Coyotes are very vocal animals. Two or three sound like 20," said Cape Girardeau County conservation agent Gene Myers.

Although it is known that coyotes are roaming the state in larger numbers, Myers did not have any definitive population figures.

The growth of the coyote population has much to do with lower demand for animal pelts and therefore a diminished trapping industry. The depressed fur market has had a positive impact on the numbers of most furbearing species. But the main reason for their resurgence is the fact that they handle adversity extremely well.

"Coyotes are really adaptable. They can adapt to pretty much any situation," said Myers.

What makes coyotes so adaptable is their less than picky attitude concerning nutritional choices. Scavengers, coyotes will eat about anything they can get their paws on.

"They are not at all selective about what they eat," said Myers.

It is that trait which has given coyotes such a bad reputation, particularly among livestock owners who fear attacks on their animals. However, the animals rarely bother livestock and instead feast primarily on mice as well as having a big effect on the rabbit population.

When people see coyotes eating a calf or a pig they often jump to the conclusion that the coyotes caught and killed the animal. However, Myers said usually the animal died of other causes and the coyotes, as carrion eaters, were just taking advantage of an opportunity.

They also have other ways of proving less than endearing to rural residents.

"People (in rural areas) often feed their pets outside and coyotes, being opportunistic, come to the house and go through trash and eat pet food or maybe even kill the cat," Myers said.

Coyotes are not strictly country dwellers and, according to Myers, a significant number reside within the Cape Girardeau city limits. He added that they can even be found in cities as large as St. Louis.

Coyotes usually travel in family units of about three or four. Around this time of year they are preparing for the mating season and are often spotted in male-female pairs. Later in the year a group will usually be comprised of a female and her young.