The Yellow Medicine County Commissioners voted Tuesday to not pursue a bounty on coyotes. While some county residents have said coyotes have killed or threatened pets and farm animals, the pursuit of a bounty would not be productive. The Legislature did not accept a strong attempt at a bounty in 2005 and during the upcoming session, it will have other issues that will be more of a priority.

Meanwhile, those who may have issues with coyotes can still set traps for those animals and it's also legal to hunt the animal with a gun. A trap could target the animal causing the problem at farm or rural neighborhood.

Coyotes are extremely adaptable and they reproduce frequently and their population will likely increase in rural areas. Also, as we continue to develop wildlife habitat for human use, it's likely complaints and concerns about the animal will continue.

So far, the Department of Natural Resources seems unconvinced coyotes have had a negative affect on wildlife. But it's risky for anyone to assume that won't happen. Hopefully, Yellow Medicine's concerns will get coyotes more attention so that if necessary, a well reasoned solution can be reached.