in less cute local wildlife news, the coyote pack that had the apartment complex as part of their territory isn't around any more--I have no idea why; they might have just moved away--and we are currently without a regular coyote presence. there's been a couple around, but not nearly as frequently. and I can tell in part because of the number of rat sightings I've had in the last couple of weeks has tripled.

I really hope we get another pack moving into this territory soon. people don't realize that the *base* of coyote diets is rats, and they're pretty much the only ground predators in this climate that are capable of keeping the rat numbers down--and without them, this place will be *swarming* with rats. :|

they freak out when they see coyotes, "ooh coyotes spread disease, ooh coyotes are dangerous to pets and children," and don't realize that RATS ARE FAR WORSE ON EVERY POINT. I want to go door-to-door with a flyer and forcibly educate people. WE NEED THE COYOTES. CHERISH THE COYOTES.

@green The common reason I see for people to want Coyotes gone from populated areas is that they like to nibble on cats. My thoughts on this:

Coyotes > Cats.

Also, they were there first, damnit. :3

@mawr also, it's actually really rare that coyotes will go after full-grown, healthy adult cats. sick cats, or kittens, yes; they can prey on feral cat colonies. it's raccoons that are likely to mess up and kill cats--they're territorial, and cats can't escape a raccoon as easily as they can a coyote. or feral dogs, which are acclimatized to humans & other domesticated animal. plus PEOPLE SHOULD KEEP THEIR CATS INDOORS ANYWAY, especially if they think there's coyotes around!

@mawr ~I might have some ~opinions~