Coyotes dangerous intruders

Local government and levee district officials were able to stop dangerous floodwaters from the Atchafalaya River basin from destroying parts of Terrebonne and St. Mary parishes during May and June. What they were not able to stop was the intrusion of coyotes that moved into the area when their wilderness upstream was intentionally flooded with the Morganza floodgates being opened to ease rising waters on the Mississippi River.

Now packs of coyotes have infiltrated populated areas and are killing pets and livestock.

Residents went before the Terrebonne Parish Council last Wednesday to voice their concerns and demand action.

Donnie and Cabrina Bourg of 350-B Robert Street in Houma, showed graphic photos of the carcass’ of goats that had been mutilated by coyotes, and reported small dogs having been killed by the wild animals. The concerns were raised when it was mentioned that coyotes also pose a threat to small children.

“We got a coyote problem,” Donnie Bourg told council members during the public address segment on that night’s agenda. “Two months ago we lost a Chihuahua. We put her out to do her nightly business and a coyote came and took her right in front of us. The other day [an area resident’s pony was] killed right in his stall. They ate him. My niece, they ate her goat. And there are a couple of other neighbors that we have that have lost dogs to coyotes.”

Bourg noted that coyotes have been seen near schools. Residents are concerned about the well being of children. “It is a matter of time before one of these coyotes get hold of one of these kids,” he said.

Brad LaBoeuf, of 218 Connie St., added to public comments and said coyotes killed a 4-month-old filly he had. “I’ve seen a coyote on the [Houma-Terrebonne airport] runway. They’re all around. And if you see one there is probably eight or nine.”

Councilman Kevin Voisin agreed with the public concern and said he had seen coyotes in the Houma city limits, near the YMCA on Valhi Boulevard. “I have seen them with my own eyes,” he said. “They are there and there is a true concern. We need to try to do something.”

Councilman Johnny Pizzolatto said that the council has written to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to seek assistance in removing the coyotes. “We haven’t heard anything back yet,” he said. “I think they need to get another letter and I will contact some of our [state] representatives. This is a serious problem. Some people don’t like to kill animals, but this has gotten to the point where we need to worry about our children.”

Pizzolatto took criticism last month when he suggested putting a bounty on coyotes. Councilman Alvin Tillman came to Pizzolatto’s defense and agreed that drastic actions need to be considered to deal with the drastic situation. “It is a scary situation,” Tillman said.

Terrebonne Parish Utilities Director Tom Bourg said they have made unsuccessful attempts to trap the animals and are trying a variety of tactics to address the situation.

“Once coyotes have a food source they won’t leave,” Pizzolatto said. “And they have a food source here in Terrebonne Parish.”

“I’m behind whatever solution we can find,” Voisin said. “We are not trying to cause a panic, but it is something serious we need to deal with.”

While no official action was taken, council members committed themselves to investigating what can be done to alleviate the coyote problem.

Spring floods are blamed for forcing wildlife into the Houma area, including coyotes which have proven deadly to domestic animals and raised concerns among residents regarding their own safety. COURTESY PHOTO