Articles & Resources

Living with Coyotes

Some experts say that the coyote is the most persecuted animal in North America. Coyotes have been hunted, trapped, poisoned, and shot during an ongoing struggle between humans and the animal's need to hunt.

There are ways to coexist with coyotes and we've provided some tips to help you live with these animals as an inevitable part of nature.

Coyotes are found throughout North America and are increasing in presence in urban areas, adaptable to virtually any environment. Although coyotes have been relentlessly hunted and killed, human attempts to eradicate these animals have only resulted in the killing of the unwary coyote. The coyotes which are cautious enough to avoid human attempts have the strongest genetic material and continue to flourish.

Coyotes are an inevitable part of the natural environment and experts are suggesting that the only effective way to deal with their presence is using ecologically based solutions.

Coyotes are hunters who must feed themselves and their pups. They are opportunistic feeders who make use of a wide variety of plant and animal foods. From rabbits and rodents in rural settings to pet food and human waste in urban settings, coyotes eat what is available and supplement their diets with berries, acorns and insects. The food source that puts them in the greatest conflict with humans is the hunting of small pets and livestock.

If you want to discourage the presence of coyotes on your property, there are things you can do. Pet owners should understand that coyotes are predators to cats and small dogs. Since coyotes are primarily nocturnal, pet owners can minimize risk by not letting their pets out at night. Never leave pet food, water or food storage areas outside.

Good housekeeping and trash sanitation will also discourage the presence of coyotes. High quality garbage cans with tight-fitting lids will solve most problems. When discarding food wastes like chicken, fish or leftover pet food, bag the items and pour in a little ammonia to help disguise the smell.

Poultry or hobby livestock can be protected by insuring that the animals are properly confined in well-built cages or pens each evening. Electric fencing will provide even better protection.

Although there are no repellents registered for use on coyotes, the repellents on the market for dogs and cats can also work to discourage coyotes as well.

While massive suppression programs have been tried throughout the United States to no success, it is time for humans to accept the presence of coyotes and learn to live with them and value them as an integral part of the ecosystem.

-- Information supplied by the New Canaan Animal Control department.
-- Track photo supplied by the University of Kentucky.
-- Coyote pups photo supplied by West Lafayette Animal Control.