I was wondering, my dad has a neighbor who shot a coyote bitch and has been raising two pups in his dog kennel in the middle of town. Is this wise? I understand his plan is to release the pups when they get old enough to make it on their own. I doubt this plan because many of the behaviors that are vital to survival are learned, and these pups are not learning anything but how to be domestic animals. Am I wrong to think he should have dispatched these pups in the field? Or just passed on the bitch, if killing pups was going to be a problem for him.
When I shoot a coyote it is to reduce the overall numbers. it concerns me also that these animals are being raised domestically, but have recieved no shots.
what are your thoughts on the matter?

He might post on this forum, so, in advance, no offense, and I have recieved all this info second hand.

Shoulda shot em all.

my grandmother once had a dog that was the result of a female german shepard having a romantic interlude with a male coyote. that was the best cat killin dog we ever had. don't know about full blood ones though. they may never make good pets or good wild coyotes. how's the price on prime coyote pelts in your area? bud

Here in PA you must obtain a permit to own a wolf or coyote,you might want to check your local laws on this.I have a friend that has a wolf and I know that it wasnt easy for him to get the permit. As far as releaseing them to the wild when they are old enough is a crock,those pups wont last a week in the wild with out the proper raising that can only be taught by there mother. And they may also pose a threat to the community if they draw attention,little kids dont know that these pups are wild and only want to pet or play with them,I personally would report this to the humane society if you have one in your area and see what they say about this matter.just my.02 worth and good luck.

Should just wack em in the head a be done with it. Unless he knows some one with a yote pen for training hounds he could give them to.

Low-tech,
When I was a professional Govt Hunter/Trapper for 20+yrs, I have tried several times to raise coyote pups(most did't have eyes open yet, when I got them), they will not tame down to domestic dogs level, they still retain the wild instinct.
They tolerate the family, only to a certain point, but can never be trusted, if you know what I mean.
I contacted the local zoo and they were very happy to accept these semi-tame coyotes for their display to the public.
I lived several miles from the closest person, and these coyotes could come and go as they pleased,after they were on their own, I found most of them killed along side the road,shot by people who thought they were Rabid, or had some sickness, because they wouldn't run away when you stopped to look at them, when they came to the ranch for a visit,etc
It is a judgement call anyway you look at it.
_____________________________________________
"You can't run with the Big dogs,if you pee like a puppy".
nvreloader

Somehow my cousin got hold of a coyote pup and kept it for several years. That thing NEVER did warm up to people, it was a treat to watch them try to feed the nasty thang. I guess it died from old age or boredom, but it WAS the best fed coyote in MO for a helluva long time, and it kept my cousin scarfing up roadkill for it for many years. Man did it hate me, I never looked at it , that it wasn't quartered in crosshairs, and I guess it didn't like that much, but if I'd shot it, they would have found ME in a ditch somewhere, feeding coyotes, most likely!

Hello;
I had a friend,who dug some coyoye pups out of a den, and tried to raise them. As glen Asher said, they never got used to people. Everytime someone approached their pen, they would hide. They bit my frind a couple of times, right through his gloves. Eventually, someone reported him and he had to let them go, as well as pay a substantial fine.
Grizz

Since they weren't killed with the mother they should be taken to a zoo. Releasing them in the wild will guarantee their deaths, and probably cause someone a problem.

Frank D

[ 07-12-2003, 15:11: Message edited by: frank d ]