CRADDOCK KILLS COYOTE BESIDE HOUSE

(02/04/2006)

Retired Calhoun bus driver and long-time farmer, Leo Craddock killed a large female coyote next to his house yesterday morning.

"It was a really old female, her teeth were not in good shape, but she was still bearing offspring," he said.

Craddock lives in a "hot spot" for coyotes, a remote area between Big Bend and Cabot Station, along the Little Kanawha River, known as the Lew Carroll farm.

Packs of coyotes can often he heard at night along the river, not far from Bell's Ford.

They can be heard as far away as the hilltop village of Joker.

This is not the first coyote Craddock has killed. He says he gets really concerned during calving, for the wild animals can easily prey on newborn calves.

Craddock said the coyotes have preyed on his cats, likely killing seven of them. He said one calf came up missing, yet to be found.

The sound of coyotes can be heard for miles, up and down the river valley.

Craddock says the numbers are getting larger.