Letter: Better to coexist with native wildlife

Better to coexist with native wildlife
EDITOR,
As a local resident, I have become concerned about the tone of the letters about the coyote and cat situation in the Felton area. The most recent letter stating that “these predatory pests must be eradicated from our neighborhoods” is particularly alarming to me.
Just how would you propose to eradicate these native animals? Are you suggesting culling the coyotes? Have you really thought this through?
You must realize that coyotes and other predators play a vital role in the local ecology and should not be eradicated, or even disturbed.
I have a prime example that I would like to share with you. While living in Australia, I had the opportunity to hike and backpack in various parks and witnesses feral cats (domestic house cats) living in the wild and preying on the local parrot and marsupial populations. No predators to keep them in check, and completely out of balance.
Felton sits in a mountain valley that is still very much a wild place. I live 2 miles from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park with my young children. On our 2-acre property, we have visits from bobcats, coyotes, deer, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, skunks, possums, chipmunks and many other wild animals, including an occasional mountain lion.
They live in balance together.
My family and I do not fear the wildlife here — we simply love and respect it.
I do not allow my kids or pets to roam after dusk. I do not believe there is any community safety issue when common sense is used. I certainly don’t chase around the neighborhood at night harassing the native animals.
May we be reminded that all the aforementioned animals form this thing called a food chain. You let your cat out the front door, and that cat becomes part of that food chain.
Cats will encounter wild animals if you let them roam. There are more than just coyotes around, and you cannot eradicate them all.
Do not eradicate. Coexist!
Johnna Coty, Felton