Good discussion Ed and I agree with what you cover...we are saying the
same thing.

Times are good for deer...the pressure from predators (which include
hunters also) has been reduced and their food supply has increased.
Both factors mean increased population. Change either factor and you
will see the populations drop.

There is enormous pressure on wildlife habitats across the nation. The
next time you drive down the road, take a good look at the construction
going on. Most of it is on land that was not developed before. The
wildlife has to move somewhere and that somewhere is your and my
backyards.

As for garbage, it is just an alternative (and excellent) food source.
Remove the food source and the animal in question will move on or
starve. Of course you would expect the bears to be more
aggressive...you are messing with their three squares a day. Ever
notice how people get cranky when they miss their scheduled feeding
too. Bears or humans, same rules apply. Who will win in the
end...humans since the bears don't have guns...yet;).

Coyotes are just one of a number of animals that adapt very well to our
civilized environment. Garbage control by humans is grossly inadequate.
Remove this source of feeding and they will search for other sources.
Animals will only stay if the food supply is plentiful and ongoing. As
there are only so dogs, cats and rats available to them as alternative
food choices, coyotes will move on once that fallback source of food
supply is used up.

Nature is the great equalizer, in time she levels the playing field for
all concerned including man.

TMT