Double Standard?
A San Francisco Chronicle article shouts today,
Hunters Shoot Aggressive Coyotes In Presidio.
Disappointing article. Over-reaches. Exaggerates. Fear. Hype. Typical.
One person sent to kill one coyote. I doubt it was much of a “hunt.” They knew where it was. I’m sure the officials who called for the coyote’s destruction viewed it as a measure of last resort rather than “dispatching a sharpshooter.” Sheesh.
The Presidio and other lands of the GGNRA are special places. We work hard to keep open space and wildlife in the Bay Area. Open space adds to our quality of life. I have seen many coyotes in the City and around the Presidio and they run away from me. It’s a special (and usually quite brief) pleasure to watch them. We must continue to educate people not to feed or attract coyotes by leaving pet food outside for their own pets or by actually intentionally feeding the animals. No one wants a pet or child injured. Perhaps our pet and wildlife education efforts need to be stronger.
On the other hand some owners of domesticated pets seem to operate with a different standard. We don’t seem quite so alarmed when domesticated dogs charge people or wildlife.
I’ve seen dog-owners revel in their pooch running through flocks of birds and chasing them at the beach. Maybe it seems like good and appropriate “dog fun.” They’re entitled, after all. The dogs love to run and chase birds. It’s what they do. The owners probably did not realize these birds were resting during a long migration.
I’ve been mobbed and jumped on by a pack of dogs being walked by a “professional” at the Presidio while I was just walking on a trail. No apologies given. The dogs have the right-of-way when they’re in an 8-pack.
I’ve also been charged and bitten by a dog on the Presidio. My clothing was torn and the skin heavily bruised in an unprovoked charge from over 50 yards by an unleashed dog. No apologies from the owner. Just a hasty exit with the dog.
After reporting the incident to Park Police the aggressive dog was not shot and destroyed for its actions. The owner was not punished.
Double standard?
Tags: coyote, dogs, wildlife