Varmint Hunting Info

We will start our article by presenting the most interesting facts about coyotes, considered to be a great nuisance in some areas of the world. In 2006, a coyote was spotted in New York’s Central Park, and Chicago claims to have over 2,000 of them living within the city area alone. Another interesting fact about these animals is that the coyote is an important spiritual symbol for many indigenous tribes. He is seen both as a trickster causing trouble and as a provider of many good things for this world. Both sides of coyotes are true. In addition, these animals have 42 teeth in a strong jaw, which are perfect for holding and biting prey. Their senses of smell, sight and hearing are exceptional which makes them very cunning hunters.

Moving on, coyotes do not hibernate and are very active during the winter months. Coyotes bed in sheltered areas, but do not use dens except when raising young, during severe weather or when they are being chased. Dens will have an entrance about a foot in diameter and are usually holes that have been used first by another animal like badgers or foxes. A sad but interesting fact about them is that is estimated that at least 400,000 coyotes are killed each year (one coyote is killed every minute) by federal, state, and local governments but also by private individuals. The last fact about these animals is: the great majority of coyotes don’t prey upon livestock. However, once a coyote learns that young livestock are easy prey, depredation can become a problem. If this occurs, removal of the offending coyote is often recommended.

Another nuisance (in some areas) is considered to be the fox ( “Vulpes vulpe” ). Some interesting facts about this animal are: at 3 1/2 pounds, the Fennec Fox is the world’s smallest canine. Its habitat is desert. Its regular diet consists of rodents, birds, lizards, vegetation and insects. The Fennec Fox produces 2-5 young. It is most active during the night. It has excellent hearing and can hear prey moving underground. The Fennec Fox has fur on the soles of the feet to protect it from the hot sand. Another interesting fact: foxes have characteristics of both dogs and cats. Although a member of the dog family, the fox has many similarities to that of the feline. They have vertical slit eyes and partially retractable claws. Foxes are good tree climbers. They mark territory by scent with urine. A fox also plays with its prey like a cat.

In order to communicate, these small-sized animals use a wide variety of vocalizations. Some of their biggest threats are: coyotes, wolves, lynx and eagles. One variation of the fox is the kit fox/swift fox that is able to run up to 23mph for short distances. The fox is the member of the dog family, being the smallest member. Unlike their “brothers”, the fox is a solitary animal and usually hunts alone, rather than in packs like wolves or dogs.

Our final part of the article will present you the most interesting facts about what is considered to be the largest nuisance: the raccoon. The heaviest coon recorded had an astonishing weight of 62 pounds. Raccoons are mostly nocturnal animals, although they occasionally venture out during the daytime if they are hungry or if something has happened to their den. A very funny fact about them is that if you give a raccoon a sugar cube, it will first try to clean it (as raccoons clean all their food before eating it). It will wash it and wash it until the sugar cube finally dissolves to nothing.

Raccoons are mostly nocturnal creatures. Another myth about these animals says that if they are seen out in the daytime, they are most likely rabid. It is quite common, especially in the urban areas, for a very healthy animal to venture out during the daytime if it is hungry or its den has been destroyed. In many cases, mother raccoons that are nursing kits will be forced to search for food sources night and day. If an animal is behaving normally in the daytime, it is probably not rabid and should be left alone.