The population is generally steady over time, despite attempts to thin it out by shooting them in the west. The coyote is common in Richland County, but they are not often seen. Depending on the person, they will either want to get rid of them or protect them. Coyotes can be a plus to the environment by keeping certain animals in check, by killing them. Some ranchers like the coyotes, because they kill the grass-eating rodents that eat the grass that there domestic animals need to eat.
Coyotes can also be a harm to ranchers by killing off livestock.
Many attempts have been made to thin out the coyotes, because of the harm they cause on the ranches. Poison cannot be used because it will cause harm to other species. Hunters hunt the coyote by using a call that imitates the distress of a rabbit or other rodent. Airplanes and snowmobiles can also shoot them. A person does not generally get very much money for a coyote fur.