No one seems to know exactly why killings in New Orleans are increasing.

Terrorist experts say that this year, political killings will continue at last year's level 3,400 - and possibly increase.

That's the real reason the killings have been increasing.

Unlawful killings, recruitment of child soldiers by armed groups, and abductions have also increased.

Robberies and killings are increasing at an alarming rate.

Extra-judicial killings by the security forces increased over the same period.

Civilian killings by what appear to be right-wing death squads also have increased.

Diplomats and foreign election observers say killings of opposition campaign workers have increased in recent weeks.

But American and Iraqi officials are acknowledging that the killings are once again increasing.

If Dr. Crabtree is right, the killing may actually increase coyote numbers in the long run.