The conversation was over a month ago. I don't know why it came to mind today, but it did.

They're trying to kill coyotes with chocolate. And it looks like it's gonna work.

A couple of our state's Ag people were having a conversation next to the one I was in, and my eavesdropping caught the words "chocolate", "coyotes" and "research".

So I left our conversation and joined theirs.

Did you say they're trying to use chocolate to kill coyotes?

"Yep."

Or, more specifically, the theobromines in chocolate. Those caffeine-like molecules that are so toxic to all canids. A nearby federal research lab has developed the best formula (5 parts theobromine to 1 part caffeine) to quickly and effectively kill coyotes. (And, of course, any other canid that might take the bait.)

The reason for excitement amongst the Ag folks?

Besides the fact that theobromine is selective for canids, reducing chances for accidental poisoning of non-target species, and besides the fact that it is not bio-cumulative (it doesn't poison critters farther up the food chain)? (And I admit, these are both good things.)

It is all natural.

They are hoping getting permission to use this stuff will be quick and easy.

Sort of like sowing hemlock around, I guess.