photo by Tim Springer
Do you see the mirror image of Coyote in this photo?
How we live with Coyote and each other here in Maine is a mirror for us to look into…look closely into the mirror.
We live in a “Democracy” ….of the people , by the people and for the people, …yes? But do we really practice democracy, or think it is just a philosophical concept that someone else far away is making happen?
So I have a story to share with you about the POWER you have because you live in a democracy. There are many stories like this one that people in Maine share with me, and so this one represents many of them. A landowner who owns a family camp here in Maine shared with me this past week , that dogs trained to chase and kill Coyotes were let loose on his campground where families with children were present, even though his land is posted. His land is posted not because of traditional hunting but because of this exploitation and persecution of Coyotes, which has nothing to do with hunting.
When he approached these individuals and told them to get off his land, they arrogantly scoffed at him. So I would compare these individuals, who carry out these activities, to that of bullies who abuse other children in school because they think they can get away with it.
Well, the bullying time should come to an end here in Maine! As landowners you have every right to say what goes on within your property. Since there are NO LAWS TO PROTECT COYOTE, the bullying of landowners has continued to escalate.
But wait! This is a democracy, and you do have the power to stop the abuse and the bullying. I encourage all landowners who experience this kind of abuse on your land against your will, to contact your local legislators….the ones who go to Augusta and the ones who go to Washington, and your town selectman. Our legislators must know what is going on, and they must also know that the people of Maine want this abuse to our wildlife….Coyote to stop. You have the power, and you have a voice.
I am a Scientist, and I truly believe that we as scientists have a serious responsibility to not only educate our communities about our wildlife and our place in the natural world, but also to help empower our citizens to speak up for our wildlife….who have no voice but yours.
