Suburban Coyotes

As our urban sprawl moves into coyote habitat these smart sly animals will learn to adapt. They are generally content with garbage, small animals and pets. It now appears that they are losing their fear of humans and picking out larger game. The killing of the cats and dogs was alarming enough, but attacking children is definitely unacceptable. Many cities and towns have taken measures such as ‘coyote patrols’ or special task forces. Rye has gone so far as to use helicopters equipped with infrared heat-seeking devices, while the law enforcement have "shoot-to-kill" orders.

It is not known how many animals roam our city streets, but the numbers are growing. Coyotes are usually very shy and elusive, found throughout North America. They are dog-like creatures with a distinctive pointed nose, with a tan or grey coat. They weigh anywhere from 15 to 50 pounds. They give birth once a year to a litter of two to twelve pups, the average being six. Their usual diet consists of small mammals, insects, reptiles, fruits, birds and carrion. A single coyote can bring down a large fawn or a dog of comparable size. A pack can bring down an elk or easily an adult human. They can crossbreed with dogs and wolves. A dog-coyote mix produces what is commonly called a ‘coydog’. Besides the threat of attack, coyotes harbor many pests and diseases, most of which can be transferred to pets and humans. Some of these include; distemper, hepatitis, parvo virus, mange, rabies, tularemia along with mites, ticks, fleas, worms, flukes and heartworm.

There is no solution for suburban coyotes at this time, many suggestions have been made including, "marking" territory with synthetic coyote urine, shooting on sight or trapping with consequences such as euthanization, sterilization or relocation. It appears authorities will be debating this for some time, so in the meantime here are some things you can do to keep you and your pets safe.

1. Never leave children playing outside unattended.
2. Keep all small pets; cats, dog, rabbits, etc., indoors sunset to sunrise. Alternately, keep them in coyote proof cages.
3. Put up a fence at least 5' high. Coyotes will still try to climb it or dig under it. There are fencing techniques you can use to prevent this, such as hot wires (electrical wires), skirts and aprons.
4. Feed your pets indoors or outdoors only during daylight hours. Never leave pet food out at night.
5. Make sure your garbage bins have tight lids, secure the cans to a fence or wall so they can’t be tipped over or drug away. Don’t leave trash out in bags.
6. Install motion sensor lighting around your house, sometimes this is enough to frighten them off.
7. Cover your compost bin with a secure lid of some sort.
8. If you have birdfeeders, don’t fill them so they spill over. Hang them high enough that coyotes can’t reach them.
9. It should go without saying you should never feed coyotes.
10. Make sure your pets have a ‘safe place’ to escape attack. For small dogs a doghouse with an opening small enough so a coyote can’t enter. For cats, a platform or place they climb where they won’t be able to follow.
11. Bush and vegetation around your house is a perfect place for coyotes to lie in wait, it also attracts rodents and other small animals that coyotes hunt. Clear it away or again, fence it.
12. Keep your pets on a leash while walking them.
13. If you see a coyote, scare them off by yelling, waving your arms, clapping and throwing things at them.
14. If you have a coyote encounter, whether it has attacked something or not, report it to the proper authorities, Fish, Wildlife and Parks and local law enforcement.

Coyote attacks are becoming more common as they become braver and accustomed to humans. They are seen more frequently in suburban area due to loss of habitat, easy prey and large litters. There is no consensus currently for population control or a viable solution. But there are some steps you can take to keep your family and pets safe. Be alert and stay safe.