Well, in the case of Missouri, coyotes are an invasive species, so presumably some of the other mechanisms beside starvation that would normally keep their numb

Well, in the case of Missouri, coyotes are an invasive species, so presumably some of the other mechanisms beside starvation that would normally keep their numbers controlled aren't in effect. I presume they've moved into Missouri and beyond mostly because they're filling an ecological niche we've emptied by removing species like wolves. And I'm sorry, but I'm going to pick the side of humans every time, even though the result is messy. In either case, coyotes or wolves, it's critical to make them know their place and be scared of humans. Compare European stories about wolves facing unarmed with guns peasants to their relative historical unimportance in the US. For coyotes, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coyote_attacks_on_humans https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coyote_attacks_on_humans And I can attest that in Missouri they stay furtive, if not for picture cams and evidence of their depredations, and their howling at night, we wouldn't particularly know they're here. Whereas foxes are much more tolerated, if not enthusiastically supported by people who don't keep chickens, and aren't hardly as shy. A young pair in fact took up residence right in front of my mother's house.