The Urban Predator - by Brad Biddle

As I sat on the front porch and listened to the coyotes howing, I couldn't believe how close they were to town. The first time I heard them was probably three to four years ago and since then it has become a common occurrence. It seems like these animals are showing up in towns and cities all across the country these days, but why?

One of the main reasons is the simple fact that these towns and cities are expanding and growing closer to these predators. As building expands and we move into these rural farmlands, we move right into the places these coyotes call home. Another reason is the ease of food we have for them right outside our own homes. We supply a hungry predator with everything they need to survive and we don't even realize we're doing it.

I'm sure a lot of you know someone who's cat or dog suddenly disappeared and we just ass that they ran off... well, that may not be the case. You see, a cat or dog is right at the top of the menu for a hungry coyote. I don't know how many people I have heard of that has had this exact problem and know without a doubt that it was in fact a coyote that dragged them away.

So, why else would these animals be inhabiting our streets? Along with these pets comes feeding them. Food left outside is fair game for any nocturnal predator. We have all heard a loud bang outside at night, which more than likely was an animal feasting on some leftover food or even our trash.

So in reality, our neighborhoods are a place a predator can survive. Everything that they need is right here on our porches and in our yards. They have figured out how easy it is to find a meal under the concealment of darkness. They are no longer living in farmlands like they used to. These are the days of the urban predator, and all we can do is listed to the howl.

- Brad Biddle