Coyotes are yellowish-toned dog-like animals that travel in packs. They can be heard by their distinct high-pitched yelps, howls, and yips. When alone, these things hardly pose as much of a threat, but in packs the beasts pack a deadly killing power. Their attacks are supposed to occur at night since they are relatively nocturnal creatures, but because of their environments being taken over and inbreeding occurring within the species, coyotes are becoming bold enough to venture out in the broad daylight and attack dogs, cats, horses, sheep, and other domesticated animals.

 Coyotes have been a progressively growing issue in news recently due to their expanding population in the tri-state area. One of these specific areas includes Liberty Township, which has been hosting meetings to cope with the public about the population issue. Most of the time, population issues with animals blow over in a couple weeks. This instance is different though according to the public. For example, instances of coyotes attacking and consuming small, domesticated dogs have been reported more and more often.

 Other reports of this aggressive behavior have been demonstrated in Northern Kentucky. At River Ridge Elementary School the principal declared that recesses for students are going to be conducted inside as a result of coyotes being spotted on school grounds. This is because of the fact that the coyotes’ territory is being alienated and in defense the coyotes are trying to expand their territory. Some of you may ask yourself, why should I care? What does this have to do with Ross? Ross is an area with a high-domesticated animal population as a result of farming and the common pets that most people have. So, will Ross soon have to worry about these animals as well? Let’s hope not.

 Mr. Korb definitely believes that there is a coyote problem in this area. His reasoning behind this educated answer is that his neighbor has trapped eight coyotes because of their growing population. Also, he recently lost a dog to coyotes. He stated that, “I hear them all year round in the late evening now and they need to be controlled.” Mr. Korb raises sheep, and a coyote attack on his livestock is the last thing he wants. In order to resolve this problem he proposes that people need to hunt and/or trap the coyotes. However, in urban areas, hunting poses the threat of shooting nearby houses. Mr. Korb’s own home solution is he purchased a donkey, “I purchased a donkey in order to keep away these animals; it hasn’t been successful yet since he is still very young, but, it will pay off in the future I’m sure.” When asked why this coyote situation is happening he said, “The main reason this is happening is because their natural habitats are being destroyed". As you can see, the problem is undeniable and action must be taken. 

In order to get rid of these varmints, people have been recommending a humane approach involving simply scaring off the animal with loud noises and anything that would intimidate a wild animal, such as using a donkey. The problem with this though, is that coyotes that have been scared off will only return later, and possibly with even more coyotes. Those on the other side of disposal spectrum say that we should simply shoot the coyotes and dispose of them this way. This controversial topic is delaying the decision process on which should be done. Meanwhile, the coyotes are growing in population and increasing danger, so we must act fast before it is too late and coyotes prove to be an extreme threat to our land and animals.