Conservation groups file suit to block the killing of coyotes in Idaho

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In the lawsuit, the conservation groups argue that the USDA uses outdated environmental assessments from 1996 and 2002 to base its decisions on killing potential predators on Idaho lands. This is a violation of the National Environmental Policy Act, the groups argue.

“Because the amount of coyote killing from Wildlife Services’ actions adds up to only a small percent of the population in the large analysis areas, the 1996 and 2002 (environmental assessments) assume effects will not be significant, even while admitting that ‘localized populations’ may be targeted,” the lawsuit reads.

Citing a 2019 USDA report that has yet to be made publicly available (the most recent report available is for 2018), the conservation groups say that Wildlife Services shot 2,107 Idaho coyotes while in airplanes and 375 on the ground in 2018. They also say 421 coyotes were trapped and killed using foot traps and neck snares.

https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/environment/article242572931.html