So Steve- now you are retired, retired? LOL
On another forum, we are discussing red fox populations, and reasons for them being displaced (or not) by coyotes. In other words- is the expansion of the coyote (really both western and eastern)the dominant factor in the decreased red fox populations that most of the country is seeing? I believe that it is most likely so. But the information I have been able to dig up through surfing (even falling back on gopher, Archie etc LOL-lot of dead ends in that system!) hasn't been conclusive. Many studies hint or say "research shows.. but never give footnotes on sources. Its like a rumor passed from hallway to hallway. Many studies do show that many factors have a huge effect on red fox mortality- rabies, distemper, mange and predators. Several studies list raptors as maybe being the top predator. In addition- fox need a little bit more specilized habitat- the reduction of set aside acres and the intense farming practices of today have eliminated much of the traditional territory for fox- jthe fields are just too open. But coyotes thrive in this type of situation.
So my question is this- are coyotes deplacing red fox- as an advancing army- taking territory acre by acre, mile by mile?
If a healthy red fox populations exists- and if coyotes are present- within a few years will the coyotes have displaced the fox- except for isolated pockets near heavy cover?
Or, if suitable habitat exists for both, both will somewhat co-exist? That true takeover of regions by yotes is when conditions dictate low or absent fox populations- in other words a void is created- and at that point the coyotes take over the space?
Where I live in SE Minnesota, we have always had fox. Up north, they have always had coyotes, or "brush wolves". Starting in the 60s, through the early 80s- we had both major land use changes taking place- on many levels- farming techniques, expanding subburbs, set asides, wetland use- and a fur boom like perhaps no other. Add in the other factors- and we are back to the question- the chicken or the egg?
Please, while I value your opinion, I have heard and listened to all sides. As Joe Friday would say I just need the facts.
Is there definitive proof one way or the other on this issue?
Thank you.....trappnman
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Your American Heritage- Fur Trapping, Hunting and Fishing
On another forum, we are discussing red fox populations, and reasons for them being displaced (or not) by coyotes. In other words- is the expansion of the coyote (really both western and eastern)the dominant factor in the decreased red fox populations that most of the country is seeing? I believe that it is most likely so. But the information I have been able to dig up through surfing (even falling back on gopher, Archie etc LOL-lot of dead ends in that system!) hasn't been conclusive. Many studies hint or say "research shows.. but never give footnotes on sources. Its like a rumor passed from hallway to hallway. Many studies do show that many factors have a huge effect on red fox mortality- rabies, distemper, mange and predators. Several studies list raptors as maybe being the top predator. In addition- fox need a little bit more specilized habitat- the reduction of set aside acres and the intense farming practices of today have eliminated much of the traditional territory for fox- jthe fields are just too open. But coyotes thrive in this type of situation.
So my question is this- are coyotes deplacing red fox- as an advancing army- taking territory acre by acre, mile by mile?
If a healthy red fox populations exists- and if coyotes are present- within a few years will the coyotes have displaced the fox- except for isolated pockets near heavy cover?
Or, if suitable habitat exists for both, both will somewhat co-exist? That true takeover of regions by yotes is when conditions dictate low or absent fox populations- in other words a void is created- and at that point the coyotes take over the space?
Where I live in SE Minnesota, we have always had fox. Up north, they have always had coyotes, or "brush wolves". Starting in the 60s, through the early 80s- we had both major land use changes taking place- on many levels- farming techniques, expanding subburbs, set asides, wetland use- and a fur boom like perhaps no other. Add in the other factors- and we are back to the question- the chicken or the egg?
Please, while I value your opinion, I have heard and listened to all sides. As Joe Friday would say I just need the facts.
Is there definitive proof one way or the other on this issue?
Thank you.....trappnman
------------------
Your American Heritage- Fur Trapping, Hunting and Fishing