Farmers need new solution for old problem

Stacey Colwell

Let's kill every coyote in the province. Sounds ridiculous doesn't it? Apparently not to the P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture.
On Jan. 26 the federation passed a resolution to eradicate the province of its largest land animal.
There is no disputing the fact some coyotes pose a threat to livestock, but this is a short-sighted, outdated idea born out of ignorance.
Farmers in the western parts of the U.S. and Canada tried for the better part of the past century to kill off the coyote population. They failed miserably. Research now shows these highly intelligent animals compensate for high mortality rates by breeding at younger ages and producing more pups per litter.
For the plan to work, the entire population of up to 1000 animals would have to be exterminated within the same breeding season. Anyone who's tried to trap, poison or shoot even one would probably say it's an impossible task.
Even if the idea were not based on flawed logic, the very thought of hunting an animal into extinction is appalling. Didn't we learn this lesson decades ago? There was a time when all predators were seen as a nuisance. Thankfully Canada still has wild grizzly bears, wolves, cougars, and yes, even coyotes.
Surely our government would never approve of a wildlife management plan more outdated than the stagecoach. You can't place a monetary value on a wild animal like you can a cow or a sheep. It's something innate, something that enriches all of our lives. However, that doesn't put food on a farmer's table. Their problems are real. Nobody wants to see them lose their livelihoods, but this is a knee-jerk reaction to a serious issue.
There are other options. Guard dogs or even donkeys have been used with some success. Others suggest special fencing, or keeping livestock indoors at night. In any case, eradication is not an option, practically or morally.
The federation members need to go to their rooms for a time out and think about what they have done. They can come out when they have a new plan. Hopefully something based on logic this time.