NEW HAVEN —Chris Shadler will present “Living with Coyotes” on Friday, Jan. 17, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the New Haven Town Hall, with a discussion to follow. Shadler is a sheep farmer and wild canid biologist who works with Project Coyote, an organization that promotes management policies that reduce human-coyote conflict and supports innovative scientific coyote research.
The talk will cover the many different perspectives regarding the coyotes living in the Champlain Valley. Pet owners, wildlife enthusiasts, farmers and hunters will learn more about these fascinating animals and how they fit in the community and the ecosystem.
Shadler will answer some common questions: Are coy dogs real? Does hunting coyotes help reduce their numbers? How can people keep their pets, livestock and family safe? Does having a pack of coyotes in the area have any benefits?
Shadler’s master’s thesis focused on the Eastern timber wolf in Michigan. She continues to instruct and mentor graduate degree candidates in the University of New Hampshire system. Her sheep farm in New Hampshire has a large coyote population. Using sound livestock management and border collies, she has avoided any predation for nearly two decades.
All are welcome to this event, including landowners and other residents that believe that hunting is the best way to manage the coyote population.
Free admission is made possible by members of the New Haven Conservation Commission and generous donations from Misty Knoll Farms, Middlebury Fence Co. and Cyclewise.