Coyotes have lived in North America for centuries - years before European settlers arrived. Native American cultures view them as powerful mythical figures, venerated for their intelligence and mischievous nature; Navajo herders call them "God’s dog." 

Yet today, reports indicate that coyotes are the most persecuted native carnivore in the US and generally considered not only a nuisance, but a threat to livestock/domestic pets and a serious competitor for game species.

Despite decades of our extermination efforts (trapping, shooting, snaring, poisoning), coyotes have expanded their range threefold since the mid 1800’s, largely as a result of our extensive forest clearing and eradication of wolves and cougars, which has left a significant void in the predator/prey hierarchy.