COYOTE
Coyote Introduction
The coyote (Canis latrans) also known as 'America's song dog' ranges throughout North America, Central America, and Mexico; with Texas and California having the highest density. Coyotes weigh 20-40 lbs and are usually brown or buff-colored. These canines are also called the brush wolf or prairie wolf; although, coyotes are not wolves. The coyote's diet largely consists of white-tailed deer, snowshoe hare, mice, rats, and wild berries.
Coyotes and Wolves. What's the Difference?
Wolves and coyotes both belong to the Canidae family. Although, they are genetically different. However, 25–50% of coyote DNA has been found in the Eastern wolf, which is native to the Great Lakes region and southeastern Canada. Another contrast between these two canids is that the wolf is the ancestor of all domestic canids and the coyote is not.
Ecological Role/Preventing Conflicts
Coyotes have long since acquired a negative reputation. But why? We tend to regard coyotes as vermin that must be eradicated. We seem to overlook their ecological significance. Ticks, for example, carry chronic illnesses such as Lyme Disease which, in some cases, can be fatal. The majority of coyote predation is targeted toward systematic carriers of the disease and coyote predation may reduce these numbers, thus, reducing the spread of illness.
Moreover, coyotes are widely considered "pests" due to attacks on domestic animals and livestock. Unlike wolves, coyotes frequently prey on livestock, which is a leading factor in their persecution. If you're concerned for your pet's safety, it's advised that you keep your animal indoors (attacks on pets almost always happen outside). You can use the following to prevent conflict with livestock:
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Spicy or bitter deterrents such as cayenne pepper, vinegar, etc.
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Motion sensor lights (coyotes are extremely timid)
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Noisemakers
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Sprinklers
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Remove any food items you may have outside as this can be alluring to coyotes
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Electric fencing
The Brutality of Coyote Slaughter
Our goal is to be a voice for underdogs like coyotes, wolves, and other wild canids. Coyotes face challenges in the wild just as wolves do. Coyotes are often a target of trapping, snaring, and brutal wildlife-killing contests. More than 500,000 coyotes are slaughtered each year --one per minute-- with no federal protection. Coyotes are just one of the many targets for wildlife killing contests--which is exactly that; a contest in which whoever kills the most wildlife (or a species individual) wins the contest and earns prize money.
Luckily, this futile 'sport' was banned in several states including New Mexico, Arizona, Massachusetts, California, Colorado, Washington, and Maryland. However, it is still prevalent in the rest of the U.S. Killing coyotes is not effective in reducing their numbers. Attempting to exterminate a coyote (or wolf) can lead to non-target species such as dogs, endangered species, and even humans becoming caught in snares and leg-hold traps. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reported in 2012 that nearly 35 dogs were killed in traps. It's an agonizing, and inhumane death for both target and non-target species.
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There are also various methods to protect your outdoor pets from coyote attacks such as the CoyoteVest. The CoyoteVest is a specialized armor vest (and collar) for dogs and cats that have sharp metal spikes and dense bristles along the back and neck which can help deter coyotes from attacking. This is an effective method that is non-lethal and keeps your pets safe. Vests can be purchased through their website, coyotevest.com
How Can I Help?
You can help by informing others about coyotes and the unseen brutality that they endure. You can also oppose traps, snares, etc. Some organizations are anti-trapping and are working to eliminate trapping once and for all. We urge you to support their work and spread the word; either through our page or theirs and we can deliver righteousness for the underdog.