i went out and got a coyote last night, it was a very tough 12 foot shot (Jokes, it was about 12 feet though), he was at about 8 feet but i couldn't get a shot cause he was starin me down, anyway his whole belly and legs were bald with no good fur, I know they'll be shedding soon but they shouldn't be yet?? we lieve in SW montana, are they losing there fur or is it another cause??

The mange, which is a small parasite. Usually the animal will end up dieing of exposure, If the winter is mild and they make it through then they end up infecting other animals. A harsh winter takes them out faster and helps break the cycle. Foxes get it bad as well. It is supposedly a cycle but in our area there always seems to be a % of the population with the mange. I try to shoot the ones with the mange ahead of the ones with the nice pelts, as do most hunters in my area.

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NFA and CSSA member.

thats sort of what i had figured out but thanks for your input