Geri Vistein is a Conservation Biologist whose focus is on carnivores and their vital role in maintaining the biodiversity of our planet. Her work centers on educating her community in Maine about carnivores, their ecology, complex cultures and history, and how we can coexist with them. She is the Founder of Coyote Center for Carnivore Ecology and Coexistence whose mission is to share with community members the science of our returning carnivores and the skills to live well with them. In today’s episode we talk about the natural history of the coyote as a native North American canid, shifts in coyotes range distribution throughout its ancient history, as well as in response to the arrival of Europeans, the unique biology of coyotes that has allowed them to survive and expand their territories during efforts to eradicate predators by early European Americans through efforts to “control” coyote populations today. We also discuss the new role coyotes are playing in ecosystems that have been disrupted by the extinction of apex predators, how humans and coyotes can coexist, and new legislation her organization is presenting to the Maine legislature to restrict using dogs to hunt coyotes and other cruel measures that are currently practiced in parts of the state. 

Links from Episode:

Geri Vistein’s educational websites: www.CoyoteLivesinMaine.org and www.FarmingwithCarnivoresNetwork.com 

Geri Vistein L.L. Bean Speaker Series

Coyote’s howling

The following videos are graphic and may be disturbing. This is real footage of recreation that occurs legally in many parts of the United States. 

Hunting Coyote’s with hounds

Predator Killing Contests