Animal activist blast North Carolina coyote hunting tournament



ALBEMARLE, N.C. (AP) —

Animal rights activist are blasting a popular coyote tournament in North Carolina, saying the killing is tearing apart coyote families and creating orphans.

The Charlotte Observer reports the Carolina Coyote Classic is set to hold its sixth annual hunt in February in Stanley County, with cash prizes for the biggest kill and hunting teams that bring in the most dead coyotes.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Senior Director Stephanie Bell says the stated aim of the tournament is to "protect" the deer population, so that "coyote killers" can have more deer to hunt.

PETA believes the hunt backfires because coyotes from outlying areas will move into the competition-free feeding areas. Bell says the only effective coyote-management plans are based on public outreach and personal responsibility.

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Information from: The Charlotte Observer, http://www.charlotteobserver.com