JN- I agree, they are efficient preditors and are part of the balance of nature. I view them as natures way to eliminate over crowding. On years where the deer population grows dramatically the following year the yotes usually have a good breeding season. When deer are scarce then the coyotes don't reproduce as well and there are less of them. Around here the coyote numbers really rise when the snowshoe rabbit hits a high cycle. I think that is their preferred meal when available.