Information about Coyote behavior and habits in urban areas
Coyotes typically do not present risks to humans. Generally shy and wary of humans, coyotes can also be quite curious and will observe human activity from what they perceive to be a safe distance.
They will protect active dens from predators, including other coyotes and dogs.
While coyotes are most active between dusk and dawn, they can be seen at any time of the day. While most frequently sighted near natural areas, coyotes have also been seen deep into the urban interior.
Coyotes primary diet is made up of small rodents, but coyotes are opportunistic and will consume a vast array of foods including birds and insects, fruit and vegetables, human garbage and compost, outdoor pet food and small free-roaming pets.
Coyotes are monogamous and can be found as lone individuals, pairs or can develop packs similar to wolves. Typically only the dominant pair breeds and produces one litter per year.
Breeding occurs between January and March with a gestation period of 62 days. Litters range from four to seven pups and young will remain with the parents until late summer, learning how to hunt.
Pups are cared for by both parents and can eat and move around well by the time they are one month old. Because food requirements increase dramatically during pup rearing, this is a period when conflicts between humans and urban coyotes are common.
By six months of age, mother coyotes start training their offspring to search for food. If food is inadvertently provided by people, the youngsters quickly learn not to fear humans and will develop a dependency on easy food sources.
After this training period, usually in October and November, most young disperse and find their own breeding territory, but one or two pups may stay with the parents and become part of the family group. Although coyotes tend to travel and hunt singly or in pairs, they may form groups as population densities increase or where food is abundant, such as in urbanized areas.
In areas where coyotes are hunted or trapped, coyotes are extremely wary of human beings. However, in urban areas where they are less likely to be harmed and more likely to associate people with an easy and dependable source for food, they can become very bold. They will come up to the door of a house if food is regularly present.
Coyotes living in packs generally have a range of between two and eight square miles, and can cover 20 miles in a night.
Coyotes are at home in a variety of habitat types and will den in burrows, under downed trees, in thick brambles and culverts, in holes dug in vacant lots, or any other dark, dry place. Coyotes are opportunistic and will prey upon free-roaming cats and small dogs.
Coyote Prevention and Interactions
Never deliberately feed a coyote or other wild mammal.
Securely cover garbage containers and compost bins, and eliminate garbage odors.
Remove fallen fruit from yards.
Never deliberately approach a coyote and teach children to respect all wildlife from a distance.
Bird feeders should be positioned so that coyotes cant get the feed.
Dont leave small children unattended outside if coyotes have been frequenting the area.
Keep house pets indoors and allow only controlled access to the outdoors (fenced yards and leashes).
Always keep pets in from dusk to dawn, which is when coyotes are most active, or provide secure nighttime housing for them.
To prevent coyotes from entering your yard, consider installing a motion-sensitive lighting system or installing a coyote-proof fence. To be effective, fences must be at least six feet tall and have no openings greater than four inches and should extend flush with the ground.
If you do not want coyotes around your home, let them know that they are not welcome. If you see a coyote, shout and make noise, wave your arms.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact