Predator urine a cruel, ineffective deterrent
July 3rd, 2008 by admin
Beginning in March, residents of several Lee County neighborhoods have had dangerous encounters with coyotes. Most recently, a coyote was blamed for the death of a cat at a residence in Bonita Springs. It is not unusual for coyotes to attack cats outdoors, but the coyotes have also attacked small dogs who were being walked on a leash. It’s a difficult situation; we hope that only humane methods of discouraging the coyotes will be used.
Unfortunately, this week stories in the Fort Myers News-Press and on WINK-TV News promoted a product called “Wolfpee,” made from urine collected from wolves in captivity, that is supposed to scare off coyotes. To make it possible to collect their urine, animals like wolves, foxes, bobats and deer are held in cruel, cramped conditions. Often fur farms will collect and sell urine as a side business.
And it may not even work. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission expressed skepticism that the products worked as advertised. A FWC spokeswoman told WINK News that there are better ways to deter coyotes, “The main thing is to change the behavior of man. Carry a big stick, make a lot of noise. These are the things that are going to stop the attacks.”
You Can Help
- Never buy products made from animal urine.
- If your local sports or gardening store sells bottled urine, please ask them to discontinue carrying the products. Contact ARFF for help.