[aggrofish]

Originally Posted by lvoc

There is no doubt that coyotes can easily handle 6 or even 8 foot walls. Around here however they don't. The reason is that things that eat coyotes live in half the yards around here. I would also be very skeptical of a 50 lb. coyote. I have seen a couple of dozen over the last 15 years. The biggest I have seen was a nursing female in Spanish Trail that might have gone 30 lbs. Most are the size of my dog or a little bigger...25 or 30 lbs. I believe that is typical for the western coyote.

The cats here all climb trees and houses. So unless trapped they are going to get away.

Again all the problems we have had around here have dealt with other dogs.

The coyotes in my neck of the woods were very scarce for a couple years but now they're back and a lot bigger than before. Still not 50 lbs but Ive seen a few 30+ pounders. I know for a fact they can scale a 6' wall because when I scared one that's exactly what he/she did.

The jackrabbit population got out of control for a bit, but with the coyotes back I don't see em anymore. Last year they were inside the gate every night when I'd come home.

[Harrier]

Originally Posted by aggrofish

I dont know about cats cause I'm not a chic, but good luck getting my dog outside in the summer. He just looks at me like I'm insane.

Plenty of real men keep cats - it has nothing to do with being "feminine".

[Harrier]

Originally Posted by ElleTea

My animals are not outside without me regardless of temp. Too many dangerous critters

That would include human beings.

[BBMW]

I don't think it's so much the people directly, but people in cars. Cars are a major predator.

Originally Posted by Harrier

That would include human beings.

[edujop]

Originally Posted by aggrofish

I dont know about cats cause I'm not a chic, but good luck getting my dog outside in the summer. He just looks at me like I'm insane.

Come on, dude. Man up. It's ok to have cats if you are secure with your masculinity. I am a truck driver, and do not want for testosterone. Cats are great companions and pets whatever your gender. You simply are ignorant to think otherwise.

[edujop]

Thank you for most of your replies, except for the off-topic comments (i.e., those who advocate keeping cats indoors, and cats who apparently use one lady's yard as a toilet). We live in an apartment with a green belt behind us. I take the cats for walks in the green belt almost every day, even in the winter when high temperatures are only in the 20s. The greenbelt is basically a canal that is dry for most times of the year except for irrigation in the spring. They love spending time in the canal. I wouldn't deny them the pleasure they get from being outdoors. I love them enough to know they don't want to be cooped up the apartment all their lives, and quite frankly I can't take the stress of dealing with their boredom. They seem to function better if they can get out a couple times a day. I usually monitor them when they're out, but I will leave them alone for short periods, too.

[Harrier]

Originally Posted by edujop

Thank you for most of your replies, except for the off-topic comments (i.e., those who advocate keeping cats indoors, and cats who apparently use one lady's yard as a toilet). We live in an apartment with a green belt behind us. I take the cats for walks in the green belt almost every day, even in the winter when high temperatures are only in the 20s. The greenbelt is basically a canal that is dry for most times of the year except for irrigation in the spring. They love spending time in the canal. I wouldn't deny them the pleasure they get from being outdoors. I love them enough to know they don't want to be cooped up the apartment all their lives, and quite frankly I can't take the stress of dealing with their boredom. They seem to function better if they can get out a couple times a day. I usually monitor them when they're out, but I will leave them alone for short periods, too.

Some of the "indoor cat" dogma people can't fathom the idea of a cat on a leash.

[aggrofish]

Originally Posted by edujop

Come on, dude. Man up. It's ok to have cats if you are secure with your masculinity. I am a truck driver, and do not want for testosterone. Cats are great companions and pets whatever your gender. You simply are ignorant to think otherwise.

Whatever you need to tell yourself to sleep at night man. Maybe you should lay off the testosterone a bit because you obviously have no ability to detect sarcasm.

[ElizaTeal]

Cats are coyote bait, keep them indoors.

[edujop]

Originally Posted by gvc8

I awoke one morning last year to find this critter inside our backyard wall


http://www.city-data.com/forum/attac...118_062931.jpg

that picture makes my blood run cold.