COYOTES
The coyote is one of the most adaptable animals in North America.
Their diet consists of almost everything, even fruits and berries in the fall and winter.
They are found in every state in the USA, except Hawaii
They are starting to be found more and more in urban settings and are learning to navigate well in city settings. Coyotes have been seen actually waiting on stop lights to turn green to cross the street.
One of the things that has allowed coyotes to be so successful is that they are so adaptable. We typically think of coyotes as predators, but really, they are opportunists, and shift their diets to take advantage of the most available prey. Coyotes are generally scavengers and predators of small prey but can shift to large prey occasionally. They eat a lot of insect matter, fruits and vegetables; they eat a lot of animal matter, too, but they are also good at capitalizing on human by-products, like trash.
Most adults weigh between 25-35 pounds. Coyotes typically mate in February, however, only the alpha pair in a pack will mate and subordinates will usually help raise the young. In April, after a 62 to 65-day gestation period, the female will begin looking for existing dens or dig one herself. Pup season is the only time coyotes will voluntarily use a den; otherwise, coyotes usually sleep above ground in the open or in cover. Dens may consist of a hollowed-out tree stump, rock outcrop, or existing burrow made by raccoons, skunks or other medium-sized carnivores. Coyotes will also build dens from scratch by digging a hole. They usually prefer some protective cover at the den, such as bushes or trees, and some type of slope for drainage. It is not uncommon for mothers to move their young from den to den to keep them protected or to re-use the same den in multiple years. Some coyotes select secluded areas for their dens, whereas others in more urbanized areas have less selection and may use dens near buildings or roads or even in parking lots. Litter sizes often range from four to seven pups. Coyotes have the ability to adjust their litter sizes based on food abundance and population density. While it is difficult to get reliable estimates of litter sizes in urban areas, best estimates suggest that litter sizes are larger than average, indicating an abundant food supply. Pups stay in the den for about six weeks and then begin traveling short distances with adults. By the end of summer, pups are spending some time away from parents and attempting to hunt on their own or with siblings.
Coyotes typically have a highly organized social system, even in urban areas. This consists of packs, or groups, of coyotes that defend territories from other coyotes. Group size in protected habitats is typically five to six adults in addition to pups born that year. Territories have very little overlap, so the coyotes defend these areas from other groups. In rural areas, especially where hunting and trapping are common, the group may only consist of the alpha pair and the pups. Although coyotes live in family groups, they usually travel and hunt alone or in loose pairs. In this way they are different from wolves, which sometimes leads to the impression that coyotes do not form packs since they are usually seen alone. In addition to resident packs, the urban population also consists of solitary coyotes that have left packs and are looking to join groups or create their own territories. Between one-third and one-half of the coyotes studied each year are solitary animals. They can be either males or females and are usually young coyotes (six months to two years old) but can also be older individuals who have left packs. Solitary coyotes travel over large areas, up to 60 square miles covering many different municipalities; some coyotes may even disperse to different states. These animals must travel between and through, resident coyote territories.
What can you do to keep the coyotes away from your property and loved ones?
By applying common sense, and preventative techniques, and by being aware of the diversity of wildlife with which we share our communities, we can minimize human and wildlife encounters and conflict. The number one most effective way to prevent coyote attacks in your neighborhood is to eliminate wildlife feeding. Coyotes that are fed in residential neighborhoods can lose their fear of people and may eventually test humans (and pets) as possible prey. Intentional feeding, such as bait stations in yards or parks, should be strictly avoided. However, many people unintentionally feed coyotes by leaving pet food or garbage out at night or having large bird feeders. Coyotes are usually not interested in bird food, but bird feeders often attract rodents, especially squirrels, which then attract coyotes. If you are seeing an increase in coyotes, you should additionally review your own actions to ensure compost piles and trash bins are not allowed to be a source of food. Although coyotes seem to have a natural inclination to avoid human-related food, this can change when prey populations are low, or if the coyotes are young and haven’t yet learned to hunt effectively. Keep trash cans covered and use wildlife-proof lids.
Coyotes probably live nearby, even if you don't know it, so do not let pets run loose. When hiking in parks, keep dogs on leashes. Pets left outside, even with fencing, remain at risk for predation and unnecessary conflict. Do not leave your pets unattended outside, not even for a second. Remember, electric fences may keep your pets contained but do not keep other animals away. Free-ranging domestic cats and feral cat colonies may also serve to attract coyotes; it is important that domestic cats be kept indoors and that feral cats be spayed or neutered to control this population. Bringing food inside when outdoor cats are not feeding might alleviate part of this coyote attractant. Keep chickens, rabbits and other small animals in covered enclosures, constructed with heavy mesh wire. Domestic dogs, coyotes, raccoons, mink, and weasels can break through chicken coop wire.
Our best approach for safe and harmonious coexistence is to avoid conditioning them with food and to humans. We need to ensure our inappropriate actions do not negatively influence their natural instincts and wariness towards humans. This is the best way to promote a safe and healthy community for people, pets, and wildlife. The few documented cases of coyote-inflicted wounds on humans occurred as a result of humans encouraging close proximity by feeding a coyote. Food rewards encourage the coyote to increase their proximity tolerance to people, yards, and public places where the food is placed.
Do not approach coyotes, their dens, or their pups, even if it appears the parents are not in the vicinity. Coyotes will do their best to avoid humans but may interact with humans when provoked (during risky human behavior such as feeding, interfering with pups or harassing) sick, or injured. Teach children about wildlife and how to safely respond to a coyote (or dog) nearby.
Respect, compassion, and education are common-sense tools that nurture safe and healthy human-wildlife coexistence awareness.
If you follow these guidelines, it will help to keep coyotes at bay. If you are not sure how to handle an issue you are having, give us a call at Calvary Wildlife Removal or another licensed nuisance wildlife control operator in your area.