Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference

Research on coyote control has lagged behind operational control for several decades. With the current controversy over toxicants and control of coyotes, attention has suddenly been given to the research needs of the problem. In the past research on annual damage problems, particularly predators, was concentrated on coming up with new lethal methods. The picture has changed with a definite need to study the entire problem, including the measurement of losses, the ecology of predators and prey, their behavior, and means of solving loss problems by nonlethal methods or mechanical protection. In any lethal control research, selectivity must be emphasized. The ultimate solutions lie in a greater understanding of all phases of the problem, particularly on ecological and economic considerations, and do not depend solely on the development of one or two more control methods.