The atmosphere around 211 Eighth Avenue was a bit different tonight (10-13-14), as opposition to the "trapping and killing" the aggressive coyotes in the area showed up to speak their minds. The Seal Beach City Council meeting commenced at 7pm and speakers began at approximately 7:17 pm. Those "listening" were members of the media: Channels 2, 9 and 5 were present.
A gentleman by the name of Randal Massaro, of the Union Members for the Preservation of Wildlife, started things off. Mr. Massaro brought up the issue of what happens to a population of wildlife when the alpha males and females are killed off. Studies have shown that the population actually INCREASES. Mr. Massaro also stressed the importance of sitting down to really discuss the issue and save the tax payers' dollars:
"ask the other cities that voted to stay away from coyote killing.."
"ask the other cities that voted to stay away from coyote killing.."
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| Opposition, proponents and media were all present: PHOTO: cbigupps |
Mathew Duncan, of the city of Orange said, " statistically, in the United States, we have a grand total of 12 coyote bites. In the U.S., we have a grand total of 4.7 Million dog bites." This, he said was in response to a Seal Beach resident who said that it was "only a matter of time before a coyote attacks a person or a child.
Each person that spoke against the euthanization (GREEK: "good death") of the coyotes DID express their condolences and sympathy towards those folks that had experienced a loss of a loved furry friend, whom many of the speakers referred to as "family members."
A biologist, Lindsey, who had not intended to speak, shared with the audience that "trapping and killing" is only a short-term solution and there is much evidence to support that. She had personally been a part and seen these examples first-hand in surrounding cities with similar "urban coyote" issues. She said that the trapping and killing program may show signs of being effective, in a year or two..,just the biology of the species, you're going to end up with more coyotes.." She went on to say, "they're adaptable and they have adapted to live with people.." She also related the behavioral difference between a coyote in an open-space area versus the "urban coyote." The urban coyote has adapted and doesn't show the same fears of humans as the coyote in open-spaces.
One speaker shared that this issue had been going on for nearly a year with numerous city council meetings and was a very difficult decision for the people and the city. It was also mentioned that currently the State of California currently does NOT allow the relocation of coyotes. If that policy was changed, the citizens of Seal Beach would champion the relocation of the coyotes, "but we are driven to this sort of desperate situation.."
An elderly woman with a floppy hat (photo) spoke for the proponents and may have stolen the show as she came to tears while speaking of the neighbor's dog who had recently been killed by a coyote and the "trauma" that the family and child had been going through.
When asked, by one speaker, "how many people in this audience are here to support the mayor and the city council.." The response was an overwhelming round of applause.
There was also Native American representation from the Apache tribe present that spoke out on the issue of interfering with the "natural order" of things. "They were here first," said Sonny Eaglehawk.
Empty Cages Los Angeles was also present with their members and a speaker. This is a group that has been raising awareness to this issue by protesting and educating people at Seal Beach pier in recent weeks.
The speakers present were approximately 22 ; 3 of those were speaking out FOR the "trap and kill" of the coyotes and 3 had other "issues" to speak about before the council. The rest spoke out AGAINST the "trap and kill." And, in spite of those efforts, the information presented by biologists, activists, and former law enforcement, the city council voted to KEEP the "trap and kill" in effect for another 3 weeks.
Although urban coyotes in the Seal Beach Community may be "trapped and killed" in the coming weeks, this ISSUE is certainly NOT DEAD...
Mr. Duncan proceeded to say that "this could be a defining moment for your city. The City of Irvine has a page dedicated to Coyotes: Everyone's Goal should be to peacefully coexist with our wild neighbors." When he added that someone from west Garden Grove was happy to have "wiped out coyotes" there was resounding applause from the audience. When he mentioned being more like a progressive city, Irvine, the other "half" then applauded. It seemed as though the room was fairly split on this issue.
Each person that spoke against the euthanization (GREEK: "good death") of the coyotes DID express their condolences and sympathy towards those folks that had experienced a loss of a loved furry friend, whom many of the speakers referred to as "family members."
A biologist, Lindsey, who had not intended to speak, shared with the audience that "trapping and killing" is only a short-term solution and there is much evidence to support that. She had personally been a part and seen these examples first-hand in surrounding cities with similar "urban coyote" issues. She said that the trapping and killing program may show signs of being effective, in a year or two..,just the biology of the species, you're going to end up with more coyotes.." She went on to say, "they're adaptable and they have adapted to live with people.." She also related the behavioral difference between a coyote in an open-space area versus the "urban coyote." The urban coyote has adapted and doesn't show the same fears of humans as the coyote in open-spaces.
One speaker shared that this issue had been going on for nearly a year with numerous city council meetings and was a very difficult decision for the people and the city. It was also mentioned that currently the State of California currently does NOT allow the relocation of coyotes. If that policy was changed, the citizens of Seal Beach would champion the relocation of the coyotes, "but we are driven to this sort of desperate situation.."
An elderly woman with a floppy hat (photo) spoke for the proponents and may have stolen the show as she came to tears while speaking of the neighbor's dog who had recently been killed by a coyote and the "trauma" that the family and child had been going through.
When asked, by one speaker, "how many people in this audience are here to support the mayor and the city council.." The response was an overwhelming round of applause.
There was also Native American representation from the Apache tribe present that spoke out on the issue of interfering with the "natural order" of things. "They were here first," said Sonny Eaglehawk.
Empty Cages Los Angeles was also present with their members and a speaker. This is a group that has been raising awareness to this issue by protesting and educating people at Seal Beach pier in recent weeks.
The speakers present were approximately 22 ; 3 of those were speaking out FOR the "trap and kill" of the coyotes and 3 had other "issues" to speak about before the council. The rest spoke out AGAINST the "trap and kill." And, in spite of those efforts, the information presented by biologists, activists, and former law enforcement, the city council voted to KEEP the "trap and kill" in effect for another 3 weeks.
Although urban coyotes in the Seal Beach Community may be "trapped and killed" in the coming weeks, this ISSUE is certainly NOT DEAD...
