McMinnville officials are looking to wage war on urban coyotes.
Mayor Ryle Chastain will be contacting Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to inquire about an eradication program to purge the city of coyotes.
City attorney Tim Pirtle prompted a discussion on the issue.
“On a health and safety related matter, last Saturday night I pulled into the driveway of 511 West Main Street and there were two coyotes standing in the driveway of the residence,” he said. “The next day, on Sunday, in broad daylight, there was a coyote right in front of Trevor Galligan’s house, which is between 511 West Main and Hardee’s."
"These varmints are running rampant in the city limits. They are not innocuous. They are dangerous predators, particularly for our domesticated pets,” said Pirtle.
Pirtle urged board approval for Chastain to act, “I would like to see the board authorize you to reach out directly to TWRA to find out if there is any kind of eradication program that might be available to us before we end up with some tragedy that could involve, possibly, a small child. I think it’s time that something is done about it.”
The Southern Standard reported on the presence of coyotes around the Civic Center area in 2018. At that time, residents were urged to follow TWRA guidelines for dealing with coyotes.
Among the recommendations:
1. Do not feed them
2. Eliminate water sources
3. Do not discard edible garbage
4. Secure garbage containers
5. Do not leave a grill outside and uncovered
6. Feed pets indoors
7. Remove any leftovers if feeding pets outdoors
8. Clear brush and weeds from around property.
Alderman Stacey Harvey says house cats are on the menu.
“People need to keep their cats close by because they are bait for a coyote,” Stacey said. “That’s what they prefer. There are going to be people out there who do not believe in killing things, but we take them out or they take out a house pet that someone cares about. I don’t know which would cause more emotional distress, but I think fluffy the housecat would garner a little bit more support than a coyote.”
McMinnville Animal Control director David Denton has unsuccessfully attempted to trap coyotes with cages.
“Apparently, coyotes are too savvy to get caught up in those cages much,” said Pirtle. “Something needs to be done.”
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously voted in favor of Chastain contacting TWRA to inquire about an eradication program pertaining to coyotes. Also in attendance were Vice Mayor Everett Brock and Aldermen Rachel Kirby, Zach Sutton, Steve Harvey and Sally Brock.
