Coyotes returned to San Francisco, taking up residence at the Presidio, in the northern part of the city SF Coyote. The specialists believe about a dozen coyotes may be roaming the area. Some residents love the idea while quite a few others don’t like having the coyotes around at all. The coyotes get blamed for any missing or mangled pets, whether they’re responsible or not, and pet owners have to pick times when the coyotes are unlikely to be around to walk dogs in suspected habitat areas. I know the coyotes can keep the rodent population down. I’m not sure if they tangle with cats on a regular basis. Since they usually hunt in packs it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to be out walking when the pack’s roaming. They can leap eight foot fences so if there’s something good smelling in your backyard the coyote would have no trouble investigating it.
This of course leads to many writing ideas in the short story range, using the Presidio as a backdrop. The article claims they had to shoot a mated pair of coyotes in Golden Gate Park. One female can bear three to nine pups a year. If the story isn’t paranormal themed the plot would have to center on one or two people caught out away from a residential area. A couple of teens messing around too far from their vehicle or a family picnic stretching into after dark hours could lead to a harrowing night. It’s an interesting development in any case. I’m not sure how romantic listening to coyotes howl around your house would be. :)
9 comments:
When we lived on a golf course we heard them fairly regularly. It's a little unnerving, especially when they are in hunting mode.
As I've mentioned, I had one in my back yard--and the area I live in isn't 'busy', but fairly well-populated. Jolting.
Still, the fact that they're spreading probably means their habitat's becoming more threatened. And for that, I'm sorry.
That howl they have is unnerving, Jordan. Not exactly the kind of sound that lulls someone to sleep. :)
Actually, Raine, the coyote populations are increasing across the Midwest and the country. Increasing numbers are the main cause of them taking up residence in rural areas and the cities. They're thriving in North American Cities, maybe because of the rat population. :)
Did you ever read the book Wolfen by Whitley Streiber? Along the lines.
I read it a couple times, Charles. Streiber figured a definite new city slant for wolf lore in that story.
Bernard, The 'yips' were bad, but the sound the cat made that they had cornered was something I will NEVER forget...because it was followed by utter silence. (Shivers)
THAT is great writing fodder, Jordan, but a rough real life occurrence. The coyotes have their detractors in San Francisco specifically because pets do make the coyote menu occasionally.
They've been killing pets a for a long time in L.A. I remember a friend's poodle got drug through the doggie door, then munched. She was heart-broken.
That reminds me of Florida, Jordan. Those pesky alligators are untouchable there but they've not only dragged pets away, they've dragged children away. When my sister lets her dog out at night down in Sarasota, she carries a .357 Magnum. As long as the coyotes feed on rodents they're popular. When they start dragging away Muffy the cat, their habitat will definitely become endangered.
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