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Message: [QUOTE="CountryEscape, post: 195101, member: 3087"] Well, yes, I have heard stories of coyotes fighting dogs on chains, killing them, for their food. They run in packs, and can be extremely destructive in farm animal baby populations. Most farmers around here are aware of the possible problem and have their animals (cows, pigs,sheep, goats) inside when they have babies. Some have gone to Great Pyrenese dogs or llamas or donkeys. All of these will patrol the perimeters for predators and chase them off. I know my mule, Clyde, would chase off a coyote that got into HIS pasture. Originally he chased my dogs each and every time they went into the pasture, but now he has come to realize they belong here, and he allows them to be in the pasture with him now. Not sure that he wouldn't chase off a strange dog that ended up in his pasture, though. The problems with foxes is that they will come close to a farmstead, and if you have cats or chickens, anything small, they will kill them if they get the chance. But, I didn't bring my chickens so that I could enjoy seeing the fox instead, and not have to chase them off. But, once the hunters noticed them in the fields in winter, scavenging for food, they eradicated them, and I'm really sad about that. No, I don't want a bunch of coyotes out there either, but to take them all out is awful. They are needed to keep dead animals cleaned up and not to rot away. This time of year, the coyotes eat very well, since deer season means lots of gut piles laying there for their picking. If they are smart and fill up at night, they are safe. If they come during the day, however, the hunter is often waiting for another kill. I don't want wolves released in this area, but they have been in southern IL to help with the deer population. And, if there is an abundance of predators, then give the hunters some incentive to help keep them under control. Coyotes have open season, as my son said, "From January 1 through December 31". LOL, he says that's how it's listed now, instead of "open season". They usually only get shot in the winter, as that is when their coat is best for selling as a pelt. [/QUOTE]

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