TURNS OUT TRAPPING COYOTES IS COUNTER PRODUCTIVE, NEW MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL UNVEILED FOR METRO ATLANTA
WHAT: An innovative approach to resolving human-coyote conflicts is being unveiled in metro Atlanta, where residents often see coyotes that are being squeezed out of their habitat due to urban growth. The management protocol incorporates behavioral modification, outreach and education based on science and best management practices. Traditional trap-and-kill methods are not effective and they create long-term negative consequences. Benefits of this novel approach on the coyotes and on the community will be addressed.
WHEN: Tuesday, January 29th at 7:30 pm
WHERE: Church of the Epiphany, in the parish hall, 2089 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia [Map]
WHO: There will be three speakers:
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- Mary A. Paglieri is a consultant with Little Blue Society in the San Francisco area. She specializes in human-animal conflict resolution, and is the Director of Program Design and Implementation.
- Chris Mowry is an associate professor and head of the biology department at Berry College. A former resident of Druid Hills, Dr. Mowry has studied coyotes in the southeast and Yellowstone National Park, and he is currently talking with local and state officials about a proposal to study coyotes in Atlanta.
- Chip Elliott is a coyote trapper who has been working throughout the metro Atlanta area for over 20 years. He was recently hired by private citizens to trap coyotes in Druid Hills.
WHY: Recently, trappers have been hired by neighborhood groups that were not aware of alternatives to killing the species. Residents are increasingly questioning the regular use of trapping and killing that is occurring in their neighborhoods. At the request of Coyote Coexistence (http://coyotecoexistence.com/), a concerned community group, Mary Paglieri will discuss the new techniques for managing and coexisting with coyotes in urban areas. A petition has been launched calling for a more humane solution based on science, observational research and education. Petition link: http://signon.org/sign/stop-coyote-trapping?source=c.url&r_by=6767189