PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • February 9, 2023
I am a biologist who has studied the eastern coyote in the Northeast for over 20 years. I visit Maine multiple times a year, visiting areas like Baxter State Park and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument to view all wildlife, especially predators like eastern coyotes. I find it absolutely abysmal how Maine treats these animals. It is time wildlife agencies in the Northeast recognize the ecological and aesthetic importance of these magnificent creatures. They are social, family-oriented animals who often mate for life and live in family-oriented societies. Predators are shown to reduce disease in prey animals and literally save human lives by preying on animals like deer, which, in deer-vehicle accidents, kill far more humans than any other animal. To start, the state should eliminate night hunting. Also, year-round hunting sends the wrong message as to the value of this important animal. ~ Jonathan Way, Ph.D., Eastern Coyote/Coywolf Research, Osterville, Mass.