Re: “Coyote killings debated,” Feb. 20 news story.
Another winter brings another conflict between coyotes and the residents of Greenwood Village. How long will it be until a reasonable, sustainable solution can be reached?
Last year, out of enormous frustration, I attempted to broker a solution to this on-going conflict. With the permission and the support of the Denver branches of the Humane Society of the United States, Defenders of Wildlife, WildEarth Guardians, and Rocky Mountain Animal Defense, I approached Tom Remington, the Director of the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW), and Harris Sherman, the former executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, the agency that oversees CDOW.
I suggested that they facilitate a forum in which all parties including the above-named governmental agencies, the not-for-profit organizations, the elected officials, law enforcement officers, and residents of Greenwood Village, could participate in a process that would seek and implement a permanent, viable solution that would enable both people and wildlife to co-exist in peace and harmony. After months of delay, CDOW failed to take a leadership role, Greenwood Village declined to be a part of the solution, and nothing came of this effort. Today, one year later, we find ourselves facing the same problem once again.
CDOW argues that it has no authority to force a community to follow its recommendations. While that is true, CDOW wields a great deal of power and influence over wildlife issues in our state. They do, as stated in their mission, have the responsibility to promote viable solutions that protect the best interests of both people and wildlife.
Those inspirational ads that we see on television stating that CDOW is “Keeping Colorado Wild” are deceptive, as that concept is in direct conflict with its major source of funding and revenue. It is hunters and fisherman that contribute significantly to the CDOW budget. While not a hunter or fisherman myself, I respect those that participate in those sports. What I do question is how an agency entrusted with protecting wildlife can balance that objective when its revenue source comes from those who would kill animals for food or sport.
Many cities in the metropolitan area are to be commended for adopting sensible approaches to living with coyotes in urban settings. Educating residents, utilizing hazing techniques, and enforcing leash laws have proven to be remarkably effective in decreasing human/coyote encounters.
In contrast, Greenwood Village continues to stoke the fear of some of its residents, and to authorize dangerous practices. Their mayor, city council representatives, and police department continue to ignore the pleas of many of their residents, the advice of biologists, and the assistance of those offering alternative solutions.
The Greenwood Village police are now actively seeking out coyotes, luring them, and shooting them with silencers so that those residents haunted by the sounds of gunfire last winter no longer witness the killing fields. It seems exceedingly dangerous for the police or sharpshooters to take aim in the parks, open space, and backyards of Greenwood Village. Will it take an innocent child, adult, or someone’s pet accidently getting shot before Greenwood Village finally ceases these irresponsible and unnecessary actions?
Several months ago, shortly after sunrise, I was walking along an urban path near a small lake when I heard a rustle in the bushes. Turning toward the source of the sound, I saw out of the corner of my eye, a beautiful, large male coyote ascending the embankment.
He slowly, cautiously stepped upon the path, not five feet from where I stood. He stopped. I stopped. He looked at me with curiosity. I looked at him with awe and inspiration. There was nothing aggressive in his stance or his demeanor. At that moment, we were simply two living species, respectful of each other, enjoying a magnificent Colorado morning.
Gail Bell is an educator and advocate of animals and the environment. She lives in Denver. EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an online-only column and has not been edited.
