EDITOR:

I am very disappointed in your editorial posted October 19, 2008. I find it very hard to believe the coyote was looking for garbage. As you are aware, the garbage cans we currently use in Escanaba are approximately three feet tall and have a heavy lid. I don't ever recall seeing a coyote eating garbage from a trash bin.

When you say "we are afraid this is going to become more of a common occurrence" does that mean the Daily Press or did you get information from our local experts on trash-eating coyotes?

The Escanaba High School, which is where "these animals" was seen, is not a "very dense residential area". It is a residential area I'll concur, but there is a lot of open area, which would make sense as to where the animal came from.

What's "frightening" about the article is your lack of information. I understand precaution always needs to be in the forefront regarding coyotes, or for that matter, any four-legged animal coming from our woods. I also understand about keeping our homes clean but to scare people into believing it's going to happen more often is misleading.

I just ask you do some research into coyote vs. people in Delta County before writing about these creatures, or any four-legged wild animal.

Common sense should reign here; a fed animal is a dead animal.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Marilyn Van Drese

Escanaba