The AP is reporting that governor Rick Perry (insane R-TX) shot a coyote.
Perry says he needed just one shot from his laser-sighted pistol to take down a coyote that was menacing his dog during an early morning jog in an undeveloped area near Austin.
Perry told The Associated Press he sometimes carries his pistol, loaded with hollow-pointed bullets, when he jogs on trails because he's scared of snakes — and that he'd seen coyotes in that area.
This is insane on many levels and ought to be an embarrassment to responsible gun owners. Alot of people are afraid of snakes, but the solution is not to shoot them but rather to give them a respectful distance and go around them. They don't leap out and attack people if they have any choice - they would rather have nothing to do with people. This is pretty basic How to Enjoy the Outdoors 101.
Coyotes have a bad rap among the ignorant, but they can be a threat to dogs. Shooting one is a definite case of "If you have a hammer, any problem looks like a nail." Governor Perry, might I suggest a better way to protect your pet: Get a leash! Coyotes don't attack people, so if your dog is on a leash, you can reel them in when any wildlife (snake or coyote) is around. There is no need for a firearm when going for a jog in open space, and for that matter it's easier to run without carrying a .380 pistol.
It's a shame that someone in such a leadership position is so blisteringly ignorant about how to respect the environment.