Coyote Shouldn’t Lead Fox’s Life

I couldn’t help but bristle after reading “Fox Hunting, California Style” (LIFE, Feb. 2). Gwartz said their motivation is to rid the land of predators, “chasing the coyote that ate your cat or pet poodle.”

When people move next to undeveloped land in California, it is upon them to protect their pets from the wildlife that still make their home in the hills and scrub surrounding the new development. Dogs should be on a leash or behind fences; cats shouldn’t be allowed out at night. The coyote is acting naturally to pick off easy prey.

The coyote is a great controller of rodents. After Gwartz and his friends drive off or kill all the coyotes, they will be hard-pressed to rid their land of gophers, ground squirrels and mice that are no longer kept in check as nature intended.

I challenge these huntsmen to find another way to enjoy their sport without chasing to death or exhaustion one of our better mousetraps.

GLORIA G. SCHLAEPFER

Fullerton