The area in which I live used to have an abundant coyote population, which consequently kept the groundsquirrel and rabbit populations in check. I believe hunters in this past year have decimated the coyote population in my rural subdivision (I hike daily and no longer see, hear, or find coyote skat in our area). The bunnies and ground squirrels are running rampent and beginning to decimate all our yards and plantings. How can we control the coyote hunting, re-introduce coyote to our area, and keep people from shooting them? The predators are needed to keep everything else in check. I suspect people in our subdivision are just taking popshots at them. Why aren't coyote protected? Help---we need predation back! Thank you. Lynn

It is great to see that you have a strong understanding of the relationship between predators and prey. Coyotes are protected in Illinois under the Illinois Wildlife Code, but they may be hunted most of the year. It sounds as though you have good habitat there, so new coyotes will move in to replace the ones that have gone. They will reintroduce themselves. It is just a matter of time. Other factors may be at play besides hunting. Coyotes get sick, and they are susceptible to mange. The best way to protect coyotes and other wildlife is for people to be educated about wildlife. So share what you know with your friends and neighbors. And encourage them to do the same.