[Jeff Higgins]

Steve, they have no real competition nor does anything really prey upon them. I guess I could have been clearer in my "over-run" statement; our state is over-run with them to the point that I see them in Lynnwood. Lynnwood isn't over-run itself, although some folks would really be surprised at just how many we do have. I had to laugh the other day when out walking my dog in one of our newer neighboring developments; some one had posted signs reading "warning: coyote in your neighborhood". It had some long-winded description under the "headline" that described how the guy had seen one in his yard. I got the impression he truly believes there was only one, and that it was an anamoly. I see several a month at least, but I'm up and about at the same early morning hours they are.

Coyotes are truly wonderfull and interesting creatures. I studied them and their habits a great deal when I was still hunting them. They can live anywhere and eat anything. From the smallest prey to elk sized animals, nothing is beyond them. In a semi-wooded, moving towards full-fledged 'burb status areas like mine, there is plenty of food for them. Mice, rats, squirrels, ducks, geese, possums, racoons, cats, dogs, dumpster contents, etc. They have no trouble finding food. They are perhaps the ultimate predator/scavenger.

The only thing that really keeps their numbers in balance is food supply. With no real natural predators controling their numbers, it's all about food supply. Cougars and bears (we actually have a few of those in Lynnwood as well) might snag the occasional coyote, but they hardly make a dent. Wolves go after them with enthusiasm, but wolve populations in my state are pretty low and in remote areas only.

Coyotes are pretty unique in the natural world insofar as their ability to regulate their own population, base upon food supply. Litter sizes are directly related to that food supply. They can have as few as one and as many as fifteen or so. I can't remember off hand if they drop seperate eggs, or if one egg divides upon conception, but the gist of it is that number is decided by the health of the mother like no other animal. A fat and happy momma has huge litters; a starving momma may only have one. It's really pretty remarkable. So, in suburbia with a ready food supply and no enemies, they really can thrive.