When you consider the massive depletion of the coyote population in America, you can see why animal rights advocates are concerned.

Westchester's coyote population is estimated at 100 or so, and some experts suspect there may be even more in Putnam.

Since the Yellowstone gray wolf reintroduction in 1995 and 1996, the local coyote population went through a dramatic restructuring.

"We are not trying to regulate the coyote population, but to protect farms," said Robert Mungari, an official of the state agency.

Supporters of the measure said that it would help thin out the Adirondacks' growing coyote population, which, they say, is threatening deer and farm animals.

Since then, in 1995 and 1996, the local coyote population went through a dramatic restructuring.

State officials had hoped to thin the coyote population because of complaints from farmers concerned about the risk to their sheep.

His mission, more than just love of sport, is to put a dent in a coyote population that he thinks has gotten out of hand.

Since then, ranchers have grown increasingly alarmed by what they see as an explosion in the coyote population, and a corresponding economic threat.

In Texas, he says, limiting the coyote population has actually decreased litter size.