Has "Wylie Coyote" Visited Your RV Park?

Wylie Coyote

This tip is being reprinted from the RV Daily Tips portion of the RV Travel Newsletter.  Mr. Woodbury makes a point that is very applicable here at Hidden Valley.  Many of us enjoy the eery squeals of coyotes in the distance but care needs to be taken with these "wild" animals.  They have their place in the 'circle of life' but when humans feed them or as the homes of the coyotes are overtaken by new neighborhoods and developments, they tend to make their appearance in areas populated by humans, including our parks.  Especially can this be a concern for those of us who RV with pets.

This underscores the need to keep OUR PETS on a leash.  Even if they are well behaved, a 'Wylie Coyote' is very quick and can overtake a dog or cat in seconds. 

Thanks Chuck for the reminder.

Why coyotes pose a threat to your pet in campgrounds
By Chuck Woodbury
National parks require pets to be leashed to protect the local wildlife. But where coyotes roam it's the pets that need protection. As in many expanding suburbs, coyotes in national parks have become so accustomed to people that they often forage in plain view.
Cats and small dogs are easy prey for the quick, powerful predators when left tethered to an RV in a campground,. One ranger at Death Valley National Park almost lost his cat when a coyote grabbed it outside his residence. He chased the animal, which dropped the cat and ran off before inflicting serious injury.
A pet is in danger even when you walk it on a leash. The same ranger tells of a man who was walking his poodle near the Death Valley's Furnace Creek campground when a coyote suddenly charged from the brush, yanked the leash from the man's hand and took off with the poodle. No trace was found of the dog or leash.

PEOPLE THEMSELVES ARE PARTLY TO BLAME for pets being vulnerable around campgrounds. By feeding wildlife near campgrounds and leaving garbage unsealed, people inadvertently encourage highly adaptable animals like coyotes to associate humans with food. Visitors driving in the north end of Death Valley near Scotty's Castle and the Mesquite Spring Campground often spot a coyote in plain view by the roadside, waiting patiently for the next handout. I have met RVers who carry dog food to feed to such "friendly" animals. This is bad for the welfare of people, pets and the coyotes themselves.
So in national parks -- or anywhere where coyotes may be present -- never leave a small pet unattended. Keep the leash short when walking by potential hideouts, and don't create pests of wild animals by feeding them.

So as you visit state and private parks that have leash laws...remember: being on a leash is often more a protection for YOUR PET than to protect others.   

Teri Blaschke is the RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with Teri on Google+, Facebook and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV