[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Kazmi

I agree that coyote and other wild animals are just doing what comes naturally but we forget that we used to hunt them for our own food. Since we no longer do that how are we taking our responsibilities seriously considering our "rung of the food chain"? No species was here first - all species just continue to expand into common territory. With the larger number of offspring the population growth of coyote will continue to surpass the growth of others. At some point we will be forced to address this. I no longer see possum or rabbits around my house anymore. Both serve more purpose on this earth than just as feed to coyote.

Your "rung of the food chain" post makes sense to me. And I'm a "bleeding-heart animal lover".
I've been advocating that people need to be more responsible for the safety of their pets.
However when animals are overpopulated, their litters start starving to death.
They get desperate for food, and act in ways that are atypical for their species, like hunting during the day, etc.
I don't know what the answer is, and I believe leg traps are cruel, but I think you are right.
At some point we'll be forced to address the coyote problem.