WASHINGTON — The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute is trying to protect the animals in its collection, after coyotes killed an endangered gazelle.
This is the first attack by a coyote on another animal at the Front Royal facility, Pamela Baker-Masson of the Smithsonian told The Northern Virginia Daily.
The deputy director of the institute says the facility isn’t coyote-proof, and the animals do roam freely in and out of the property, but this is the first time coyotes have attacked a collection animal.
The coyotes that fed on the gazelle will likely try to access other animals in the collection, Baker-Masson said. The institute will attempt to kill coyotes that try to access collection animals.
The facility is moving animals to protect them and reinforcing fencing and gates.
Electric fences surround some enclosures to prevent raccoons and feral cats from bothering birds.
The gazelle, which was either an addra or dama gazelle, died Oct. 10, according to the Smithsonian.
Officials believe most coyotes on the property don’t threaten collection animals because they find other natural resources.
