Chicago Tribune
Coyote trapper receives death threats
FBI, police investigating after man hired by Wheaton to kill coyotes
was contacted by others, threatened
By Jenn Zimmerman,
July 1, 2010
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local...0,6895139.story A trapper hired by Wheaton in the spring to cull coyotes received
phone and e-mail threats, leading the FBI and police to investigate
unnamed animal-rights activists.
After the city's contract with Rob Erickson containing his phone
number and e-mail address was made public, Erickson said, one caller
threatened to kill him like he killed the coyote, and another targeted
his house to burn.
"It's really frustrating, but that is how the political process
works," said Erickson, who trapped and killed five coyotes perceived
as a threat to residents.
FBI spokeswoman Cynthia Yates would not provide details, but confirmed
this week that the agency was investigating along with Wheaton police.
Deputy police Chief Tom Meloni said no specific person or group has
been identified as delivering the threats, which were reported in late
March after the coyotes were trapped.
The trapping program was disbanded shortly thereafter because
officials wanted to see if the number of sightings would decrease,
Meloni said. "And initially they went down."
But sightings are on the rise again, with 169 reported to police in
May — up from 131 in April and 146 in March. Meloni said some of the
increase can be attributed to a new Police Department Web site that
was launched in March and allows residents to e-mail sightings.
There are "less problem reports," Meloni said, meaning people are not
calling about a coyote appearing aggressive or seen in a sensitive
area such as a school.
Should the need arise for more coyote culling — and it wouldn't until
more problem situations are reported — Councilman Todd Scalzo said the
threats would have no effect on the decision.
One prominent animal-rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of
Animals, said it was not the source of the threats but did contact
Wheaton about the culling.
Wheaton should educate people about the dangers of feeding coyotes,
Martin Mersereau, PETA's director of emergency response, said, adding
that cutting off coyotes' main food source is a more effective way to
get rid of the animals than trapping.
City officials decided to trap coyotes after some residents who live
around the Chicago Golf Club reported attacks on pets and aggressive
behavior by the animals. State law does not allow the relocation of
trapped animals.
Of the five coyotes caught, three were found to have mange — a
contagious skin disease caused by mites, Erickson said.
"The idea that anyone would want an animal to live like that is
ludicrous," he said, adding that mange is incredibly painful.
He and Meloni said residents must not feed coyotes or any wild animal
other than birds. Erickson said once coyotes become more familiar with
humans, they become aggressive because they are no longer scared.
All of the coyotes trapped had human food in their systems, he said.
Erickson said he believes there's more work to be done about coyotes
in Wheaton. A fine instituted by Wheaton of up to $270 for people
caught giving food to the animals should be increased, he said.
"(The feeding fine) does help, but in my opinion there is quite a bit
more work in the area," Erickson said.