Throughout the local area of Virginia many coyote programs were eliminated that were established to reimburse farmers for any livestock that were killed. The program’s purpose was to try and encourage small farms to be established in Virginia. This agreement was eliminated because of a money deficit problem that had occurred.

The decision has proven to be a big mistake. For local farms who raise sheep, cattle, and goats, this coyote problem has cut in on their margin of profit. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries says, “It’s vital to provide technical assistance, direct control, and educate the people, to eliminate this nuisance.”

When the funded program was taken out of affect, many locals quickly noticed a drastic change in the population of coyotes. The coyote is a very opportunistic predator. It doesn’t just up and leave once it has killed livestock. Once the food source is established, they will keep on coming back, resulting in larger packs. These large packs will often establish an Alfa male, and start to take down larger prey, like newborn calves.

The population continues to grow, in the 1990’s only about 1,295 coyotes were harvested yearly. In the recent year around 23,000 coyotes were eliminated. During this time, 195 farms were monitored in 53 counties in Virginia. These farms had 285 sheep, 81 calves, and 32 goats were confirmed kills by the coyote.  The hunting season is open year round, and hunters have chosen a variety of ways to cut back on the problem, including trapping, hunting, and poisoning in some cases.

Lawmakers are asking for funding to be restored for this program. Many farms are seeking help and need the benefits previously offered.  Reestablishing this program should encourage more small farms to be created in Virginia.