According to two experts.
Coyotes are intriguing animals that were not originally present east of the Mississippi River. Over approximately the past hundred years, though, they’ve extended their territory throughout North America. “This expansion could be attributed to modifications in habitat, along with the removal of competing species like the eastern red wolf,” 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 few big meat-eating animals 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 are 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 biggest danger from coyotes is that
they can carry diseases
Those that can be transmitted to humans and their pets, according to Kohl, include diseases like canine distemper and parvovirus, as well as pests such as fleas, ticks, and mites responsible for causing mange. Similar to other mammals, 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 people living in residential areas.
like to stay away from us
The most frequent complaint we receive regarding coyotes is when people report, ‘I spotted a coyote in my backyard,’ ” explains Owen. “This can pose problems, particularly for those with tiny pets. However, the majority of these potentially adverse encounters can be avoided.
Meet The Expert
-
Michel Kohl
, PhD., holds certification as a Wildlife Biologist and serves as both an Extension Specialist and 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 Proven Strategies From Experts To Eliminate Groundhogs
Identifying Coyotes
Similar to domestic dogs in taxonomy, coyotes can appear like them when seen from afar. Actually, they’re comparable in size to an average-sized dog, typically weighing around 30 to 35 pounds and standing approximately 36 inches high at their shoulder blades. Known for being quite slender with a thick furry appendage often carried downwards behind them, according to Owen.
The coloration of coyotes can vary from a dappled gray to reddish hues or even completely black. In southern regions, you’ll find a greater proportion with entirely black fur, according to Kohl. These animals are typically most energetic around twilight hours; however, spotting one during daylight isn’t unusual and shouldn’t automatically suggest they’re infected with rabies, as stated by Kohl.
Coyote packs can include a breeding couple along with several juvenile offspring. These animals are typically spotted during spring as the younger ones start practicing hunting skills, and again 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 sounds among animals. “What seems like a chorus of many coyotes could just as easily be from a pair or trio,” explains Kohl.
Understanding Coyotes
Coyotes possess a remarkable skill in adapting to various environments and maintain a flexible diet. Although these creatures frequently prey on smaller mammals such as rabbits, mice, voles, and even small dogs and cats, they will consume carrion, pets’ food, garbage, along with fruits like berries, plant matter, and greenery according to Kohl’s observations. Typically found alone during hunts or scavenging activities, coyotes may form packs at times 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; this preference mirrors those of other wildlife species such as a
groundhog
or
raccoon
They might take place beneath a shed or within a crawlspace. The size of their territory can vary from several square miles in an urban environment due to food competition, with this range expanding even further in more rural areas.
How to Respond 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 aware that they could be present, even within a suburban environment,” advises Owen. -
Ensure your dog remains leashed while walking, particularly during early morning and late evening hours.
Kohl states that coyotes may target small dogs, but attacks on medium and large dogs typically do not occur frequently. -
Observe your pets when outside, even within a enclosed space.
Owen mentions that coyotes are skilled climbers and can easily climb over a six-foot fence. -
Prevent cats from wandering around.
According to Kohl, research indicates that both domestic and stray cats serve as prey for coyotes. -
Avoid leaving pet food outdoors.
Similar to various forms of wild animals, such as
raccoons
,
opossums,
and
skunks
Coyotes enjoy effortless meals and will swiftly learn where they can obtain them, according to Owen. -
Maintain covered trash cans and compost bins
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 vaccinations 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. -
Employ hazing methods to deter a coyote from your property.
Should a coyote wander into your vicinity, try banging pots and pans together, shouting loudly, or using an air horn to frighten it away; they usually retreat when startled. Alternatively, installing a motion-activated water sprinkler might be effective too. “Our aim,” states Kohl, “is to maintain their fear of humans.” -
Disregard sprays or essential oils.
According to Owen, these methods are either doubtful or completely ineffective. Actually, the coyote might simply urinate on any odor deterrents you apply. -
Reach out to your state’s local wildlife agency if you have worries regarding a recurring visitor.
If your livestock or chickens keep vanishing, or you often spot a coyote around your land, particularly one that isn’t afraid of people, it might be necessary to remove it. “When you shout at a coyote and it just stands there watching you, that’s not something we should allow,” warns Kohl.
Can Coyotes Assault My Dog?
Although interactions between pets happen occasionally, their consequences can be quite mixed and hard to predict. Coyotes typically target small dogs; however, assaults on medium-sized or larger dogs aren’t frequent occurrences. “In the realm of canine society, social ranking plays a significant role,” explains Kohl. This means that coyotes tend to focus on smaller dogs due to hierarchical dynamics but generally avoid confronting bigger ones as they recognize these could result in an uneven match.”
When individuals report that a group of coyotes has attracted a bigger dog into the forest, it’s often because the dog was acting territorially and pursuing the coyote. Nevertheless, upon entering the woodland region, the coyote’s fellow pack members typically step in to protect their territory, as Kohl points out.
Are Coyotes Dangerous?
Usually, coyotes tend to avoid humans. “However, this can vary depending 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, causing the animal to get used to being around humans.”
If you see a coyote, it’s probably just traveling through and has no interest in you.
“The primary danger coyotes present to us is the possible spread of diseases to our pets,” states Kohl. To safeguard your animals, ensure that all vaccinations are current and consistently apply treatments to shield your pets from heartworms, fleas, and ticks.
Related:
Ways to Eliminate Mice from Your Residence
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