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 might 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, who is a Certified Wildlife Biologist, wildlife extension specialist, and an associate professor of wildlife management. University of Georgia They're among the scarce big 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 posed by coyotes is that they can carry diseases These diseases that can be transmitted to both humans and pets include conditions like canine distemper, parvovirus infection, as well as pests such as fleas, ticks, and mites responsible for causing mange. Similar to other mammalian species, coyotes may also contract rabies; however, this occurs infrequently with less than 1.5% of all wildlife rabies instances being linked to them.
Typically, coyotes do not pose a problem for residents. prefer to avoid us The most frequent complaint we receive regarding coyotes is when people say, '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 , Ph.D., is a Certified Wildlife Biologist serving as a wildlife extension specialist and 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
Similar to domestic dogs in taxonomy, coyotes can appear like them when seen from afar. Indeed, 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. These animals look quite slim with a thick furry tail carried at a slight downward slope, according to Owen.
The coloration of coyotes can vary from dappled gray to reddish hues or even completely black. According to Kohl, in southern regions, you'll find a greater number with entirely black fur. They typically display peak activity around twilight hours; however, spotting one during daylight isn't uncommon and shouldn't automatically imply they're infected with rabies, as stated by Kohl.
Groups might include a breeding 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’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. They possess one of the most intricate and diversified sets of sounds among animals. "What seems like a chorus of coyotes could just as easily be from a pair or trio," explains Kohl.
Understanding Coyotes
Coyotes possess a remarkable knack for adjusting to various environments and boast a flexible diet. Although they prey on smaller creatures like rabbits, mice, voles, and occasionally even small dogs and cats, these adaptable animals will consume carrion, pet food, garbage, along with fruits, grasses, and plants according to Kohl’s observations. Typically seen alone during hunts or scavenging activities, coyotes may form packs at times to take down larger game.
Coyotes mate from late winter through early spring, resulting in litters usually born in late spring, each containing around five pups on average. These coyotes make their dens beneath fallen trees, within dense shrubbery, or among rocky outcrops. Generally, they prefer not to establish these dens near human settlements; this preference also applies to other wildlife species akin to them. groundhog or raccoon They might take place beneath a shed or within a crawlspace. The size of their territories can vary based on food competition; these creatures typically claim several square miles in an urban environment and a bigger area in a more rural location.
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 possibility 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.
- Keep an eye on your pets when they're outside, even within a fenced space. Owen mentions that coyotes are skilled at climbing and can easily climb over a six-foot fence.
- Prevent cats from wandering around. 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 figure out 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 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 fencing, adding certain features can 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 generally tend to be timid and will retreat. Alternatively, employing a motion-activated water sprinkler could prove effective too. "Our aim," states Kohl, "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 worries regarding a recurring visitor. If your livestock or poultry keep vanishing, if you often spot a coyote around your land, or if you come across one that appears unafraid of people, removal might be necessary. "When you shout at a coyote and it remains unfazed, staring back at 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 results tend to be inconsistent and hard to predict. Coyotes usually target small dogs, whereas assaults on medium-sized or larger dogs are relatively rare. "In the canine social structure, dominance plays a crucial role; hence, coyotes often bully smaller dogs yet generally avoid attacking bigger ones as they realize such confrontations 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 asserting territory and pursuing the coyote. Nevertheless, after the dog ventures into the woodland, the other members of the coyote pack typically step in to protect their own, as stated by Kohl.
Are Coyotes Dangerous?
Usually, coyotes tend to avoid humans. "However, this can vary based on their past interactions with people," explains Kohl. "Even though incidents where coyotes attack humans are uncommon, these cases often stem from someone having fed a coyote, causing 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.
"The primary danger coyotes present to us is the possibility of transmitting 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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