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 could be attributed to alterations in habitat and also because competing species like the eastern red wolf have been eliminated from the environment," explains Michel Kohl, PhD, a certified wildlife biologist who serves as a wildlife extension specialist and an associate professor of 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 Those that can be transmitted to humans and pets, according to Kohl, include diseases like canine distemper, parvovirus, as well as pests such as fleas, ticks, and mites responsible for causing mange. Similar to other mammals, coyotes may also host rabies; however, this occurrence is quite rare with less than 1.5% of all wildlife rabies cases linked to them.
Typically, coyotes do not pose a problem for residents. like to keep 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 a problem, particularly if you own smaller pets. However, the majority of these potentially adverse encounters can actually be avoided.
Meet The Expert
- Michel Kohl , PhD., 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 .
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Identifying Coyotes
Like their close relatives, domestic dogs, coyotes can appear similar when seen from afar. Typically, they're comparable in size to a medium-sized dog, with an average weight of around 30 to 35 pounds and standing approximately 36 inches high at the shoulder. According to Owen, these animals have slender frames and feature a thick, bushy tail which they carry at a slight downward slope.
The coloration of coyotes can vary from dappled gray to reddish tones or even completely black. According to Kohl, in southern regions, you'll find a greater proportion of entirely black-coated individuals. These animals generally exhibit peak activity around twilight hours; however, spotting one during daylight isn’t uncommon and shouldn’t immediately suggest they are infected with rabies, as stated by Kohl.
Coyote packs can include a bonded couple along with several juvenile offspring. These animals are frequently spotted during spring as the younger ones start hunting lessons, and again in autumn when adolescents venture off to establish their territories, according to Owen.
It’s equally likely that you might hear them at nighttime instead of spotting them. Coyotes use vocalizations to protect their territory and communicate within packs. Interestingly, they possess one of the most intricate and diverse sets of sounds among animals. As Kohl points out, "What seems like a chorus of many coyotes could just as easily be from a small group of two or three."
Understanding Coyotes
Coyotes possess a remarkable capacity to adjust to various environments and maintain a flexible diet. Although these creatures frequently prey on smaller wildlife such as rabbits, mice, voles, and occasionally even small dogs and cats, they will also consume carrion, pet food, garbage, along with fruits like berries, grasses, and plants, according to Kohl’s observations. Typically, they tend to be lone hunters or scavengers; however, they may form packs during hunts at times.
Coyotes mate from late winter through early spring, resulting in litters usually consisting of around five pups which are generally born in late spring. These coyotes make their dens beneath fallen trees, within dense shrubbery, or among rocky outcrops. Typically, they prefer not to establish these dens near human settlements; this preference also applies to other wildlife species similar to them. groundhog or raccoon It might occur beneath a shed or within a crawlspace. These creatures defend territories spanning multiple square miles in urban areas, with this range expanding further in rural settings, depending on the availability of food resources.
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 area," 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 outside, even within a enclosed space. Owen mentions that coyotes are skilled at climbing and can easily climb over a six-foot fence.
- Prevent cats from wandering around. Studies have shown that both pet and stray cats serve as prey for coyotes, according to Kohl.
- Avoid leaving pet food outdoors. Similar to various forms of wild animals, like raccoons , opossums, and skunks Coyotes enjoy a effortless dinner and swiftly figure out where they can get one, according to Owen.
- Maintain covered garbage 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.
- Use hazing techniques to chase a coyote out of your yard. Should you spot a coyote wandering by, try banging pots and pans together, shouting loudly, or using an air horn to frighten it away. Generally, they tend to be timid and will retreat quickly. Additionally, utilizing a motion-activated water sprinkler can prove effective. "Our aim should be maintaining their fear towards humans," explains Kohl.
- Disregard sprays and essential oils. These have questionable or no effectiveness, says Owen. In fact, the coyote may just pee on any scent repellants you use.
- Reach out to your state’s local wildlife agency if you're worried about recurrent animal visitors. 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 stands there watching you, this is not something we should allow," warns Kohl.
Can Coyotes Assault My Dog?
Although interactions between pets happen from time to time, their outcomes tend to be inconsistent and hard to predict. Coyotes generally target small dogs, whereas assaults on medium-sized or larger dogs are less frequent. "In the canine realm, social hierarchies play a significant role; hence, coyotes often bully smaller dogs yet typically avoid confronting bigger ones as they understand such encounters would likely end unfavorably for them," explains Kohl.
When individuals report observing a group of coyotes enticing a big dog into the forest, it is 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 stated by Kohl.
Are Coyotes Dangerous?
Often, coyotes tend to avoid humans. "However, this can vary based on their past interactions with people," explains Kohl. "Even though attacks by coyotes on individuals are uncommon, they usually occur because someone has fed a coyote, causing the animal to get accustomed to human presence."
Fortunately, if you spot a coyote, it’s likely just passing through and isn’t interested in you.
"The primary danger coyotes present to us is the possible spread of diseases to our pets," explains Kohl. To safeguard your animals, ensure that all their vaccinations are current and consistently apply treatments to shield your pets from heartworms, fleas, and ticks.
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