The Breeze Magazine of the Lowcountry JUNE 2020

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14 territory on the barrier islands. Contrary to popular belief, they were not introduced by state agencies to control the deer population. Sportsmen conducting hound hunting with dogs trained to track and lead hunters to the coyote (the Good ‘Ole boy version of a fox hunt, only a coyote runs much faster than a fox), contributed to the success of the coyote migration. This Eastern migration would have been inevitable due to loss of habitat and coyote population expansion- It has been argued that if the gray wolves (closest ancestor to the domestic dog and coyote predator) had not been eradicated in the lower 48 for killing livestock, the coyotes may not have had this opportunity. Whatever… they are here, and thrive island style. Can you imagine the first coyotes crossing the bridge on HYW 278? They must have been very desperate. (Maybe they swam?) Coyotes typically move at night in urban areas to avoid human contact, however, they can be spotted during the day. To the trained eye, it is not a dog, but they are similar in many ways. Coyotes range in size from 35 – 50 pounds, have a narrow muzzle, pointed ears and a bushy tail. Their fur is grizzled grey to reddish brown. They produce a litter in late winter with 5 – 7 pups and will raise them in a den. Coyotes in SC are typically nocturnal predators (hunt at night), going after rabbits and other small rodents, fawns, domestic sheep, calves, goats, poultry, and occasionally grown deer and road kill. Fruits and berries are also regularly eaten. They are territorial, and this may be cause for occasional altercations with pets. What are the rules? Relocation is not an option. SCDNR has a shoot
on site policy estimating about 30,000 coyotes killed yearly by deer hunters. A hunting license is required with some exceptions. Using poison is against the law. Coyotes spook easy and are extremely cautious. Matt Kraycar at Critter Management says that they are about “as likely to enter a trap as your chances of winning power ball”. His past experience with coyote management in the Upstate incorporated some unique tactics that, on Hilton Head, would only attract and injure tourists. He is familiar with the Sea Pines population of about 15 coyotes and growing. Sea Pines wildlife officer Todd McNeill has had no complaints to report from Sea Pines residents besides a couple of cats that went missing when the coyotes first made an appearance. He has actually seen more rabbits lately than in past years. He is aware of the sea turtle nest invasions and will cooperate with SCDNR if the problem gets progressively worse. What to do? The 2014 sea turtle season is upon us. The first nest was laid on May 20. Obviously, the sea turtle nests (protected by the Endangered Species Act) are vulnerable as they don’t run away, and, in fact, sit in the same spot for 2 months to incubate. The playing field is skewed, with the 100% advantage in the coyote court while the sea turtle struggles to fight extinction. Otherwise, I’d say… “viva el coyote! So what to do? I can’t shoot ‘em, can’t poison ‘em and can’t trap ‘em. What is my strategy for the battle of 2014? Jingle bells! Seriously. We’re attaching bells to our screen and hoping that the sound will scare the coyotes away. I would have considered this kind of strategy slightly ridiculous until recently, like something out of an Acme episode with Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner. However, it has been successful on other beaches, though temporary. With the addition of a fourth pole to secure the screen, the coyotes now have a new puzzle to solve….”with bells on”. If it gets us through the season, it will be no joke, but I’m sure the coyotes will become accustomed to the jingle eventually, and may even be attracted to it. Sea turtle nesting density is improving, and we will need a different plan for 2015. Let the games begin! If any of you have bright ideas, please send them along (we have an environmental editor’s column online)! 15
Page 1 and 2: P. 13 The Unwelcomed Guest P. 37 Su
Page 3 and 4: A NATURAL HABITAT for a RARE BREED
Page 5 and 6: CONTENTS JUNE 2020, VOLUME 18, NO.
Page 7 and 8: Recliners • Sofas • Sleepers
Page 9 and 10: 9
Page 11 and 12: 11
Page 13: The Breeze Breeze Music Environment
Page 17 and 18: Spring 2020 Arrivals clothing • s
Page 19 and 20: Putt around the lake: You don’t h
Page 21 and 22: Asian Bistro Aunt Chilada’s Black
Page 23 and 24: Locally Owned and Operated Company
Page 25 and 26: ou can receive the of theLowcountry
Page 27 and 28: Golf Courses- Hilton Head Island De
Page 29 and 30: One reason Whelks love South Caroli
Page 31 and 32: 31
Page 33 and 34: With over 35 years in the insurance
Page 35 and 36: DON’T MISS RICHARD’S Amazing, N
Page 37 and 38: Summertime and the Living is Easy B
Page 39 and 40: Right now it’s shrimp season in t
Page 41 and 42: Remove from heat and whisk in vanil
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Page 45 and 46: Several factors that previously hav
Page 47 and 48: The results of recent studies have,
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Page 51 and 52: Ben’s thoughts were broken when h
Page 53 and 54: 5 Stockade Drive Ridgeland,SC 843-3
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Page 57 and 58: “ On June 8, I will be 100 years
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The Breeze Magazine of the Lowcountry JUNE 2020

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