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DID
YOU SEE A COYOTE?
If
you have other coyote concerns, please contact us -
but
only after reading the following:
TIPS
FOR KEEPING COYOTES FROM YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD:
Although
they tend to do most of their hunting after dusk, the coyote can be active
at any time. In most cases, they are no danger to humans. There are
important steps to take in order to avoid a confrontation with a coyote,
however:
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Fence
pet and animal enclosures completely and include a top when
possible
-
Keep
cats and small dogs inside
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Any
pet smaller than 45 pounds should not be left outside after 4
p.m.
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Keep
an eye on small children
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Feed
pets inside and eliminate potential food and water sources
such as fruit or vegetables and standing water
-
Store
trash in covered, heavy-duty containers
-
Keep
yards free of potential hiding places. Remove thick brush and
weeds and enclose the bottoms of porches and decks
-
Do
not use open pits for composting - compost piles make an
easy meal for this opportunistic-eater
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In
the unlikely scenario of a human-coyote confrontation, do not turn
and run away but instead yell and wave your arms or use a stick to fend
off the animal. If you happen to have pepper spray, that is also a
defensive option.
BACKGROUND
The
coyote was not an original native
Ohio
species, although it is present in all 88 counties today after its first
appearance in 1919. The slender, bushy-tailed animal is extremely
adaptable and can make a comfortable home almost anywhere. In
Ohio
, it prefers hilly farmland mixed with wooded areas near plentiful water
sources.
HABITS
-
The
coyote is a nocturnal animal, doing most of its hunting after dusk. It
will hunt in pairs or large groups in search of small mammals such as
shrews, voles and rabbits. The coyote will also eat fruits, grasses
and vegetables.
-
Although
the coyote has a reputation for killing sheep and domesticated
livestock, studies show that livestock makes up only 14 percent of the
coyote’s diet, according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife. In urban
areas, coyotes sometimes snatch squirrels, rabbits, raccoons and even
food from dumpsters or garbage cans.
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They
traditionally make excellent mothers and will go to great lengths to
transport their young to new dens if they believe their current home
is unsafe. They will become aggressive when defending their family.
As the animal is active most often at night time, it is unusual to see
a coyote. More likely, you will hear its characteristic lonely howl,
which can carry for miles.
FRIEND
OR FOE?
The
coyote is a wild animal and will act like one. The best thing for us to do
is to create and maintain safe backyard practices and keep our distance so
we can appreciate and respect this amazing creature. Remember that the
coyote is not a recreational killer and will only visit your yard if
it is made a convenient feeding or nesting ground.
photo
by Tripp Braden
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