Coyotes

Yesterday, I reported here that I was worried about all of the dead coyotes, seven that we saw, just between Leoti and Scott City which is a 24-mile long distance. I asked for people to help me learn more about this subject. One of you told me that he/she understands that local coyotes are being plagued by mange. I did some research to learn more about this subject. I am passing my findings on to you. I still would like to know why and who is shooting these animals. Mange is not a disease that just causes it's victims to drop dead next to the roads. I am ASSUMING that they MIGHT be getting shot to relieve them of their condition. According to my research, this is NOT necessary!!! Read more:

Mange is caused by mites on the animal's body. It can effect dogs, cats, COYOTES, foxes, wolves, etc. When the number of the mites inhabiting the hair follicles and skin of the animal becomes exorbitant, it can lead to skin lesions, genetic disorders, problems with the immune system and hair loss. The severity of symptoms depend on the type of the mite inhabiting the animal.

If the mange is just in some places of the animal,localized, the problems will be healed naturally. That happens in 90% of the cases! For severe cases, generalized, the mange is located basically everywhere on the body. long-term medications may be necessary. That would include lime-sulphur dips. Of course, that is something that tame animals such as dogs and cats could have. I doubt that anyone would dare to try that with a wild animal unless it was already living in a tame admosphere such as in a zoo, etc.

Of course, the healthier the animal, the better the results will be. During mange outbreaks in the animal, breeding should not be allowed to take place as the mange is likely to be passed to offspring.

From what I am understanding about this description, no animal should need to be destroyed unless it is a VERY severe case. Sooo, if someone is shooting them because they think that that is the humane thing to do, they need to be informed of this. Unfortunately, my gut is telling me that mange has nothing to do with why they are being shot. I don't know if area coyotes are being suspected in a large number of killings of domesticated animals such as cows, horses, chickens, dogs, etc or just what. I sincerely hope that they are not being slaughtered in the name of sports, especially that close to road traffic.

VLE-B