Coyotes More Valuable Than Most People Know

Re “Gates of Laguna Woods Don’t Stop Bold Coyotes,” Nov. 12:

Most of my neighbors in Leisure World regard the presence of a small population of wild coyotes as a harmless reminder of the natural world amid the din and clutter of ever-encroaching development. Most folks also understand that the coyotes perform a valuable service as a natural check on the numbers of cottontails that would otherwise overrun lawns and gardens.

Less well known to the public is another service the coyotes do for us. Coyotes keep small and medium-sized predators, like foxes, cats, skunks, opossums and raccoons, in check and thereby play a crucial role in the survival of native songbirds in areas like the Aliso Creek Park in Leisure World. A wildlife study several years ago in San Diego found that coyotes do this by harassing and disrupting these smaller animals, which are much more adept at catching birds than the coyotes are. Of course, coyotes will eat the smaller predators if they can catch them, but that happens infrequently. Usually, the coyote has to settle for a fare of rodents, lizards, rabbits and berries.

I am one resident of Leisure World who takes his hat off to the wily coyote in respect for the wisdom of Mother Nature.

Len Gardner

Laguna Woods