The Silly New York Mind Set

The Silly New York Mind Set

• 9.12.2009

This post is dedicated to Bron's buddies: Sam, Travis, and Tyson.
I had a very stupid conversation with someone at work this week.

The subject of bears and camping came up among a group of people. As we walked down the hall, I turned to a co-worker and started to explain the wolf problem that has recently arisen in Idaho. The government re-introduced wolves to the area a few years ago because wolves were endangered and once roamed freely there. Yeah, our great-grandparents drove the wolves out because they were a danger to families and live-stock! Now, again, there are too many wolves in Idaho (and surrounding states) and the wolves are starting to descend out of the mountains for food. Wolves were just removed from the endangered species list this year.

I told him the true story of Bron's friend who had a toddler playing outside in the backyard of their home. Suddenly, a wolf came in and snatched the family's dog which was between the child and the house. That's very scary!

My co-worker replied, "Well, it's not wolves we need to be worrying about. It's the coyotes."

GUFFAW!

What? You're kidding, right? You just implied that coyotes are MORE dangerous than wolves. Are you stupid?

Wolf Lesson 101:

1. Wolves travel in packs. If you see one, you're probably surrounded by three more.
2. Wolves eat vulnerable animals; this includes, sheep, calfs, and the occasional child if they are hungry enough.
3. Wolves are bigger and more powerful than coyotes. They stand three feet tall, weigh approximately 80 lbs, and are built for stamina, possessing features ideal for long-distance travel. They can chase at 40 mph. Wolves also have strong jaws with big teeth.

Coyote Lesson 101:

1. A coyote's biggest weapon is its mange; it's a disease that causes the animal to lose all its hair.
2. Coyote's are typically loners. Coyote packs are smaller than wolf packs and their associations with other coyotes are less stable.
3. Coyotes are smaller than wolves, standing only about two feet tall and weighing in at about 45 lbs. They can, to the animal's credit, run up to 43 mph.
4. Yes, wolves like to eat coyotes. Coyotes can be a wolf's breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
5. Best of all, coyotes are great target practice! They're also good for chasing and running over with a snowmobile.

Now I understand why those senators decided to re-introduce wolves. Coyotes are obviously the more dangerous species.

Yeah, it's probably time you started running, Mr. Wiley.