Should We Hunt Chattanooga Coyotes?

About six months ago, a Chattanoogan reported dogs had attacked her pet. The owner of the pet Lhasa Apso said she had let the dog out "to use the bathroom" (notice the anthropomorphizing). Poor thing. Two "dogs" got hold of the little pet, one in front and the other in back, and attempted to pull the toy dog apart. Turns out these predators were not dogs; they were coyotes.

Then a couple of weeks ago, it was reported that another Chattanoogan lost a pet dog to coyotes. The dog was evidently a Chihuahua. And you know how this pesky breed barks irritatingly and acts the warrior part, despite their apparent companionable qualities. And why not? This breed was sacred to Pre-Columbian Indians who are known to have some uniquely grotesque notions of human sacrifice.

Back to Chattanooga. Not to be outdone by the wily coyote, the City of Chattanooga determined this week that it is legal to hunt coyote within the city limits. However, a local judge has been fussy about the idea of shooting within city limits, something about neighbors walking or gardening in residential areas. Thankfully, an agent with the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) has also cautioned the public from grabbing their guns and unloading on any varmit. In the past, the TWRA has said that such coyote attack reports are not common.

Now, its your turn. Should we hunt our Canis latrans, who like most humans is a carnivore?