Welcoming Coyotes on our Farms
Photo by: Dave Conlin
As a biologist, I delight in engaging with our farmers. This was the latest experience that opened up a whole new awareness for them ~ we are all connected.
Not so long ago, I gave a webinar on Farming in the presence of Carnivores to a group of new farmers in Maine. My presentation not only shared successful animal husbandry practices but also how a farmer’s land is enriched with biodiversity and protected from disease when carnivores are present.
At the end of my talk, one of the farmers asked the question: “What can I do so Coyotes will come live on my farm?” So how could I answer that question?
So I began….. “Our farms are not isolated parcels of land. They are part of the larger community”
So what happens outside your farm can affect you positively or negatively. So if individuals are killing Coyotes year round in the area around your farm, no coyotes will make it to your farm. And you will not have the benefit of their presence.
To our Native Peoples, Coyote was always the Teacher. And here again Coyote is our Teacher. Coyote is teaching that the world views and behaviors of individuals who kill Coyotes, greatly affect our farmers in negative ways. Actually in many more ways than I have space to write about here.
In response to my answer….The farmers …listened……were silent…..then asked more questions on this most important reality Coyote is teaching: That we are all one. The behavior of one of us can affect many of us in either positive or negative ways.
SO WHICH WAY DO WE WANT TO GO IN THE FUTURE….?