According to two experts.
Coyotes are intriguing animals that were not commonly seen east of the Mississippi River in the past. Over approximately the last hundred years, though, their territory has spread throughout North America. “This expansion may be attributed to alterations in habitats along with the removal of competing species like eastern red wolves from the environment,” explains Michel Kohl, PhD, who is a Certified Wildlife Biologist, wildlife extension specialist, and an associate professor specializing in wildlife management.
University of Georgia
They are among the handful of major meat-eaters found in North America, and they thrive even when living near humans.
Although you might believe identifying a coyote (
Canis latrans
While coyotes might seem unusual in your area, they’re actually quite common. “Coyotes can adjust to nearly any habitat they encounter,” explains Sheldon Owen, PhD, who serves as a wildlife extension specialist.
West Virginia University
Even in an urban environment, they create their own space.
The highest danger when dealing with coyotes is that
they can carry diseases
These diseases that can be transmitted to both humans and pets include conditions like canine distemper, parvovirus, as well as parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites responsible for causing sarcoptic mange. Similar to other mammalian species, coyotes may also contract rabies; however, this occurs rarely—less than 1.5% of all wildlife rabies cases involve coyotes.
Typically, coyotes do not pose a problem for residents living in neighborhoods.
like to keep away from us
The most frequent complaint we receive regarding coyotes is when people report seeing one in their backyard,” explains Owen. “This can pose a problem, particularly for those with tiny pets. However, the majority of these potentially adverse encounters can typically be avoided.
Meet The Expert
-
Michel Kohl
, Ph.D., holds certification as a Wildlife Biologist, serves as a wildlife extension specialist, and is an associate professor of wildlife management at the University of Georgia. -
Sheldon Owen
, Ph.D., serves as a wildlife extension specialist at
West Virginia University
.
Related:
9 Verified Experts’ Tips for Eliminating Groundhogs
Identifying Coyotes
Similar to domestic dogs, coyotes can appear like one from afar. Actually, they’re comparable in size to a medium-sized dog, typically weighing around 30 to 35 pounds and standing approximately 36 inches high at the shoulder level. Coyotes have an athletic build with a thick, fluffy tail carried at a slight downward slope, according to Owen.
The coloration of coyotes can vary from mottled gray to reddish hues or even completely black. According to Kohl, in southern regions, a larger proportion of coyotes have entirely black fur. These animals generally exhibit peak activity around twilight hours; however, spotting one during daylight isn’t unusual and does not necessarily indicate illness such as rabies, explains Kohl.
Groups might include a bonded couple along with several juvenile offspring. You have the highest chance of spotting coyotes during spring as the pups learn hunting skills, and in autumn when adolescents leave to establish their territories, according to Owen.
It might also happen that you could hear them during the nighttime instead of seeing them. Coyotes use vocalizations to protect their territory and communicate within packs. Interestingly, they possess one of the most intricate and diversified sets of vocal capabilities among animals. As Kohl points out, “What seems like a chorus of many coyotes could indeed just be a group of two or three.”
Understanding Coyotes
Coyotes possess a remarkable knack for adapting to various environments and maintain a flexible diet. Although these adaptable creatures frequently prey on smaller mammals such as rabbits, mice, voles, small dogs, and cats, they equally feast upon carrion, pet food, garbage, along with fruits like berries, grasses, and plants, according to Kohl. Typically found alone during hunts or scavenging activities, coyotes may occasionally form packs to take down larger quarry.
Coyotes mate from late winter through early spring, resulting in litters usually consisting of around five pups that are born in late spring. These coyotes make their dens beneath fallen trees, within dense vegetation, or among rocky outcrops. Generally, they prefer not to establish these dens near human settlements; nonetheless, similar to other wildlife species, this can vary depending on environmental factors.
groundhog
or
raccoon
They might take place beneath a shed or within a crawlspace. The size of their territories can vary based on how competitive the environment is regarding food sources; in cities, they defend areas covering multiple square miles, whereas in rural regions, their range extends over even greater distances.
How to React When Spotting a Coyote in Your yard
The majority of unpleasant encounters with coyotes can be prevented by adhering to these guidelines provided by Kohl and Owen:
-
Keep in mind that coyotes are a natural part of our environment, including urban areas.
As coyotes extend their range, you might find them in your yard or garden. “Be conscious of the fact that they could be present, even within a suburban environment,” advises Owen. -
Ensure your dog remains leashed during walks, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
Kohl states that coyotes may target small dogs, but attacks on medium and large dogs typically do not occur frequently. -
Observe your pets when they are outside, including in an enclosed space.
Owen mentions that coyotes are skilled climbers capable of scaling a 6-foot fence. -
Prevent cats from wandering freely.
According to Kohl, research indicates that both domestic and feral cats serve as prey for coyotes. -
Avoid leaving pet food outdoors.
Similar to various forms of wild animals, like
raccoons
,
opossums,
and
skunks
Coyotes enjoy a effortless dinner and will swiftly discover where they can get one, according to Owen. -
Ensure that trash cans and compost bins remain closed.
So they aren’t used as food sources, according to Owen. -
Make sure your pets have current medication schedules.
This encompasses preventative measures for
fleas
and
ticks
And heartworm along with vaccines for parvo, distemper, and rabies, according to Kohl. -
Ensure that chicken coops and farm animals are safeguarded.
If utilizing fencing, an
electric wire
At the top and bottom of fences, adding certain features may deter coyotes without causing them harm, according to Owen. -
Utilize hazing methods to drive a coyote away from your property.
If a coyote wanders into your area, try banging pots and pans together, shouting loudly, or using an airhorn to frighten it away. Coyotes usually get scared easily and run off. You can also employ a sudden noise deterrent like a motion-activated water sprayer. As Kohl explains, “The aim is to maintain their fear of humans.” -
Disregard sprays and essential oils.
According to Owen, these methods are of dubious or no efficacy. Actually, the coyote might simply urinate on any odor deterrents you apply. -
Reach out to your state’s local wildlife agency if you have concerns regarding a recurring visitor.
If your livestock or chickens keep vanishing, or you often spot a coyote around your land, particularly one that appears unafraid of people, removal might be necessary. “When you shout at a coyote and it just stays put, staring back at you, that’s not something we’d like to see happening,” warns Kohl.
Can Coyotes Assault My Dog?
Although interactions with pets happen occasionally, their consequences can be quite mixed and hard to predict. Coyotes typically target small dogs, whereas assaults on medium-sized or larger dogs are less frequent. “In the realm of canine social structures, dominance plays a key role; hence, coyotes tend to challenge smaller dogs but generally avoid confronting bigger ones as they realize such encounters would likely end unfavorably for them,” explains Kohl.
When individuals report that a group of coyotes has attracted a big dog deeper into the forest, it’s often because the dog was acting territorially and pursuing the coyote. Nevertheless, upon entering the woodland, the coyote’s fellow pack members typically step in to protect their territory, as Kohl explains.
Are Coyotes Dangerous?
Usually, coyotes avoid humans. “However, this can vary based on their interactions with people,” explains Kohl. “Even though attacks by coyotes on humans are uncommon, they often occur because someone has fed a coyote, leading the animal to get accustomed to human presence.”
If you see a coyote, it’s probably just traveling through and isn’t interested in you. Fortunately!
The primary danger coyotes present to us is the possible spread of diseases to our pets,” states Kohl. To safeguard your animals, ensure that their vaccinations are current and consistently apply treatments to shield them from heartworms, fleas, and ticks.
Related:
Ways to Eliminate Mice from Your Residence
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