Thousands of foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and sometimes even wolves are killed every year in gruesome wildlife killing contests held in states around the country.1 These “cash for wildlife” competitions run counter to science-based wildlife management policy and put endangered and threatened species at needless risk. These unsporting events are not in keeping with “fair chase” hunting principles and serve absolutely no science-backed conservation purpose.
These mass-slaughter events disrupt native species without any benefit–scientists have even found them to be counterproductive to their purported purpose of controlling species deemed unwanted by the participants. Coyotes specifically will increase their birthrate in response to this thrill killing.2
Beyond the biological and ecological mayhem that these events create, they are destructive to society. Wildlife is held in the public trust–for your, my, and everyone’s enjoyment and appreciation. Killing contests take from each of us and contribute nothing.
Ten states have already banned these killing contests, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.
More than 16 members of the House of Representatives recently introduced a bill to block these events from the 500 million acres of public lands the federal government manages. This bill would enhance our public lands, make them safer for all users, and begin to restore science-based management. Please email your representative today and ask that they support this legislation.
Sincerely,
Susan Holmes
Executive Director
Endangered Species Coalition
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1. https://www.humanesociety.org/wildlifekillingcontests
2. https://www.projectcoyote.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/PC_SAB_Coyote-Facts_FINAL_2020_08.pdf
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