Having read the recent article in Lookout Eugene-Springfield about the coyotes at Mount Pisgah, I am impressed with the thoroughness of the article’s research in consulting with numerous experts. However, the reality of the story disturbs me.

First, apparently no one is actually certain that the coyote who was euthanized (killed, actually, and hopefully not still alive and suffering!) was the one who had become habituated. Secondly, I implore visitors never to leave food for these animals. Habituation is your fault. As the article points out, “It’s often the human side that is creating the problem.”

And finally, why in the heck are staff and others in the community proposing an additional permanent year-round trail in the bottomlands where coyotes den? Perhaps the dens are not exactly located where the trails are proposed, but certainly this is the coyote parents’ preferred travel route to their homes.

Once again, humans, I implore your respect and compassion for coyotes.

Bev Hollander
Eugene