Coexisting With Coyotes

While our four-footed neighbors are bound to make some city dwellers nervous, there is little need to feel threatened. Coyotes thrive because of their ability to avoid contact with people. Learning to be wary is a primary part of a pup’s upbringing.

The month of February is one of the best times to see coyotes. One reason is because our second month is the coyote mating season. They are known to cover vast areas of land while searching for a suitable mate. Because of their increased mobility during this time of year they are more likely to be seen during daylight.

Food Habits

• Coyotes are opportunistic foragers that will consume anything of nutritional value.
• Coyotes primarily feed on small mammals, rabbits, and squirrels, even in urban environments. But they will not turn down an easy meal, nor will they pass up a free meal from human-provided food sources.
• They will scavenge exposed garbage or other refuse and may even kill and consume house cats and small dogs.
• Besides small mammals, rabbits, and squirrels, coyotes may also eat fruit, insects, poultry, livestock, deer (especially fawns and road-killed deer), songbirds and sometimes game birds.

Coyote Prevention Techniques

• Feed pets indoors when possible; pick up leftovers if feeding outdoors; and store pet food where it’s inaccessible to wildlife.
• Eliminate water bowls and other artificial water sources (if possible). Position bird feeders in a location that is less likely to attract small animals or bring the feeders in at night (to keep coyotes from feeding on the bird food or the other animals).
• Take down bird feeders if issues are occurring.
• Do not discard edible garbage where coyotes can get to it. Secure garbage containers.
• Trim and clean shrubbery near ground level to reduce hiding cover for coyotes or their prey.
• Always keep pets leashed and, if kept outside, provide secure nighttime housing for them. Any outdoor pet runs should have a top to make them more secure and the fencing should be buried in the ground to prevent digging under the fence.
• If you start seeing coyotes around your home, discourage them by shouting, making loud noises, shaking a container of coins, using an air horn or whistle, spraying them with a hose, or throwing rocks or tennis balls but NEVER corner a coyote – always give the coyote a free escape route.