Becoming Wolf: The Eastern Coyote in New England

Natural NH Winter Series

Chris Schadler, Wild Canid Ecologist, tells the story of the eastern coyote.

An eastern coyote is defined as much by its western coyote ancestry as by the DNA contribution from the eastern wolf. Coyotes in the northeast vary physically and behaviorally from its smaller western relative – while still carrying their incredible adaptability. This program delves into the ecology and behavior of this creature, its indefatigability and how it is the human who must adapt to live with the coyote.

On the horizon, however, is a native carnivore which fled the northeast during wolf removal and now may be trying to return: The eastern wolf. A look-alike to the coyote, it has been killed mistakenly for its similarity of appearance to the coyote. We’ll talk about how the wolf and coyote might negotiate a truce in the northeast and how we might do the same.

Presented by Chris Schadler.

Chris earned a Masters in Conservation Biology at Antioch University Graduate School. Her thesis focused on the natural recovery of the Eastern Timber Wolf in Michigan.

While wolf recovery was the focus of her early work in the 1970s, Chris’ attention shifted to the eastern coyote when she moved to New England in the 1980s. She chose a farm beset with coyote problems to raise sheep and train her border collies. Using sound livestock management and common sense, she [and her sheep] avoided any predation.

Beginning in the early 1990s, Chris taught in the Dept. of Natural Resources at the University of New Hampshire and instructed and mentored adult degree candidates in the UNH System at Granite State College.

Chris recently co-founded the NH Wildlife Coalition which advocates for predators, is the NH Representative for Project Coyote, and chairs the Webster Conservation Commission. Chris continues her work of nearly 40 years educating the public about the eastern coyote and the benefits of coexisting with wild creatures.

www.nhwildlifecoalition.org  

The Natural NH Winter Series is generously sponsored by anonymous donors. These donors coordinated and produced the events.  PTL is very thankful to them for their dedication to providing educational opportunities to our community in the areas of environmentalism and conservation.

This program is free and open to all. Please note that library parking is not guaranteed. Patrons who are able are encouraged to take advantage of Peterborough’s walkable downtown by parking in the Depot Square or Riverwalk lots. 

**Photo courtesy of Chris Schadler**

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