Update January 19, 2008. Raider has been re-collared! She is a phenomenally health 41.2 lb!
Well, the news is getting better and less political already. First there was the news about Walnut 50 miles away, alive and well (see previous update last week ). Now, just 2 weeks after finally getting permits allowing us to trap and radio-collar coyotes, I have big news. Raider, whose collar died/malfunctioned a couple months ago, has been recaptured in a box trap.
I captured her in the center of her large, urban Hyannis (and beyond) range. She was remarkably healthy with body fat all over making it difficult to feel her ribs. Her teeth, especially her canine’s, were well worn. She is probably going on 7 or 8 years old (in late-March/early April). Her old collar was in good shape but moisture must’ve got in the collar and caused it to malfunction. Of course, I gave her a new collar. My student, Becca Cabral, was with me to take a few pictures below (please note that my new 2008 permit does not allow students to handle coyotes so they will be there to help me but you won’t see them holding any of the coyotes like in past capture events).
One thing is for certain. It is nice to have you back on the air waves, Raider! You are an impressive coyote to monitor and are a valuable study subject living in and around urban Hyannis.
Preparing to sedate Raider.... Using a stick, I push her behind to the side of the cage and veterinarian Dr. Larry Venezia (in red jacket) injects her intra-muscularly with a sedative.
Raider. Notice scar, likely from a territorial fight with another coyote group.
Raider close-up!
J. Way with Raider after she was re-collared.
Raider after blood was drawn.
Raider with worn teeth. Notice small size of bottom left canine.
