Join 65 Scientists in Opposing the “U.S. Predator Challenge”
Coyote Killing Contests are a common occurrence throughout the United States – much more common than most people know. A national coalition has formed to oppose wildlife killing contests.
Project Coyote developed this letter to show wildlife policy makers that coyote killing contests are not supported by the best available science. The letter has been used in support of state-level legislation to outlaw coyote killing contests. So far, the states of California and Vermont have outlawed the practice.
Coyote killing contest in New Mexico (c) Southwest Environmental Center
Project Coyote is repurposing the letter, already endorsed by 65 scientists, to express opposition to a proposed nationwide coyote killing contest — the U.S. Predator Challenge. We are seeking additional signatures from scientists who have not already signed the letter.
If you agree with the content and purpose of the letter, please send an email to Katie Stennes with your information in the following format:
Name (with academic credentials)
Location by City & State
Affiliation & Title
Please reply by November 16, 2018.
David Parsons received his Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from Iowa State University and his Master of Science degree in Wildlife Ecology from Oregon State University. Dave is retired from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service where from 1990-1999 he led the USFWS’s effort to reintroduce the endangered Mexican gray wolf to the American Southwest.
Dave’s interests include the ecology and conservation of large carnivores, protection and conservation of biodiversity, and wildlands conservation at scales that fully support ecological and evolutionary processes. He is the Carnivore Conservation Biologist for The Rewilding Institute, a member of the Science Advisory Board of Project Coyote, a former member and chairman of the Board of Directors of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, and a former graduate advisor in the Environmental Studies master’s degree program at Prescott College. Dave serves as a science and policy advisor for organizations and coalitions advocating for wolf recovery and landscape-scale conservation in the Southwest.
In 2001, Dave received the New Mexico Chapter of The Wildlife Society’s annual “Professional Award.” In 2007 at the North American Wolf Conference, Dave received the “Alpha Award” for his “outstanding professional achievement and leadership toward the recovery of Mexican wolves.” In 2008 he received the “Outstanding Conservation Leadership Award” from the Wilburforce Foundation and the “Mike Seidman Memorial Award” from the Sky Island Alliance for his conservation achievements.
Dave enjoys wildlife viewing, wilderness adventures, and dancing. He lives in Albuquerque, NM, with his wife, Noralyn.