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| The Eastern coyote |
September 13, 2007
By Warren Mumford
Howling with the fire whistle
Over the past few years, many Village residents have heard our wild friends, coyotes, howling in concert with the 5 o'clock siren. Hikers who happen to be on the side of Storm King, have been startled by the number and proximity of these primitive howls.
Village resident Jerry Gage says, "One afternoon last summer I was hiking late in the day on the Highlands trail with my grandchildren when the whistle went off. A band of coyotes let out a fearful series of howls and yips. I thought we were surrounded by at least a dozen of them. They sounded to be only a few feet away, but we never saw any."
Are coyotes native to Storm King Mountain and in Black Rock Forest?
According to John Brady, Black Rock Forest Manager, coyotes are not native to this area, however, they are now permanent residents. Wolves originally filled this niche but were gradually eliminated starting in colonial times with the spread of population, farming, deforestation and the advent of bounties.
John says that coyotes began to re-appear in the 1970's. They do quite well because of the lack of predators and availability of food. John estimates a stable population of about 10 to 12 coyotes in the 6 square mile area of Black Rock Forest and is not surprised that dens exist on Storm King Mountain.
Bob Kekerbech, West Point forester, estimates the population to be about 30 on military reservation lands. Coyotes are hunted as small game in West Point. Bob says that three were shot last fall. It is estimated that there are about 20,000 to 30,000 in New York State.
How large are eastern coyotes? What do they look like?
A typical full grown adult is 35 to 45 lbs but may exceed 50 to 60 lbs, quite large compared to an average fox at 12 to 14 lbs. Eastern coyotes are larger than their counterparts in the west. Recent studies indicate that they have interbred with wolves which may account for their larger size. They are typically grey on the upper sides, neck and back but may be black or reddish-blond. Coyotes may be distinguished from dogs in that they carry their tails at horizontal or below when on the move.
What do they eat? Are coyotes dangerous?
They are not fussy eaters and will dine on small mammals, deer, insects, fruit and berries. Cats and small dogs are definitely vulnerable when the opportunity arises. Coyotes normally go out of their way to avoid humans. Confrontations are quite rare but a few attacks on humans have been reported in the northeast. John Brady, who spends most of his time in the forest, has seen only about a half dozen live animals over a span of nearly 30 years.
For further information on eastern coyotes see: http://
www.esf.edu/pubprog/brochure/coyote/coyote.htm
www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=458&q=163663
Comments:
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My daughter and some neighbors have seen coyotes on Orr Hatch Drive in Cornwall.
posted by cornwallmom on 09/13/07 at 12:00 AM
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