Hearing odd howls in the night? Are large carnivores darting across your lawn? Is something strange lurking outside? Laurens County has certainly changed over the years, and one of those changes is the increase in our coyote population. The Laurens County Library has invited DNR Wildlife Biologist Jay Butfiloski to visit the library at 6:30 p.m. on October 1 to explain the facts about this interesting and somewhat controversial species that seems to be showing up everywhere.
When many wild species are losing habitat and may be vanishing before our eyes, coyotes seem to be adapting and increasing in our area. Despite human persecution, these animals are now thriving in each of the lower 48 states and have established themselves in areas where they were traditionally unheard of. This brings up several questions. Where did they come from? When did they get here? Are they a threat to people, pets or property? Will they affect the deer population and deer hunting? What can/should be done about them?
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Biologist Jay Butfiloski works with coyotes and has dealt with them in urban, suburban and rural settings and will be able to explain the natural history of the species, as well as its long and turbulent history with humans. He will also be able to help us understand what we have to do in order to live with these animals nearby.
People interested in outdoors, nature, and wildlife will not want to miss this program. Others concerned about safety for their outside pets and livestock will also want to attend.
This event is free and open to the public.
