RISING SUN, Ind. — The coyotes at Red Wolf Sanctuary and Raptor Rehabilitation Center join in the chorus of howls, calling out to the other canines who find themselves living there.
It’s music to Paul Strasser's ears.
“They’re neat; did you just hear all that?” he said, excitedly. “Some people go through their whole life miserable doing what they do, just because they were told that’s what they do. I knew when I was in the sixth grade that I wanted to do this.”
Strasser started the sanctuary, based in Rising Sun, Indiana, and just across the Ohio River, which is also home to foxes, wolves, eagles and beavers. About 100 total animals are spread out over 450 acres.
“I have what is known as a sucker gene ... pretty face, sob story, animals end up here,” Strasser said.
Laura Palmer, Kentucky Wildlife Program coordinator, said people are seeing more and more coyotes.
“January, February, into March is breeding season for coyotes," Palmer said. "We do start seeing an uptick in calls. Coyotes were considered rare in the '70s, but they’ve gradually increased. In the last 20 or 30 years, they’ve become rather abundant throughout the country. Even in urban areas and suburban areas, they’re common.”
Palmer said they’re highly opportunistic and adaptable animals. Several misconceptions surround them, Strasser added.
“They’re going to carry off their small children; they’re Satan’s dogs, but people don’t know," Strasser said. "So they get scared."
He said they’ll eat “whatever they can get,” but that doesn’t include humans.
Palmer said she’s only aware of two deaths by coyotes ever recorded. Though while the coyotes at the rescue may look cute and behave like dogs, they’re decidedly not dogs. People should keep their distance if they see one, and especially keep their small pets inside.
“Don’t approach them to take pictures or video or feed them, anything like that,” Palmer said. “If they should approach you, look big, wave your arms, shout, clap your hands.”
She and Strasser said coyotes do some helpful things like control rodent and goose populations and are happy to dispose of decaying animal carcasses, which is why Strasser is working hard to keep them safe.
“People in North America need to appreciate what’s here,” Strasser said.
Visit the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website for more information on decreasing conflict with coyotes.
