An urban coyote is a coyote that has adapted to human presence and reside in metropolitan areas such as residential neighborhoods and cities. Coyotes are attracted to these areas due to food availability, shelter, and lack of predators.
Coyotes are quite elusive and typically avoid coming into contact with humans. If you are approached by a coyote, slowly back away/ignore it, wave your arms, make loud noises or throw things at the coyote to deter it.
No. This is a very common myth and is often misinterpreted. Coyotes are very timid animals and do not lure or bait domestic dogs away from their homes. Large dogs who are not kept indoors or allowed to free-roam outside often chase and harass lone coyotes. Coyotes will often flee from the dog's pursuit and seek protection from family members. In most incidents, the dogs were not on leash or being supervised; which resulted in conflict with coyotes who were simply defending themselves.Coyotes may exhibit aggression towards larger dogs between mid-March and mid-May, which is coyote pup season. Being territorial animals, coyotes are extremely protective of their offspring and family unit.
While coyote attacks do happen, they are quite rare. Coyotes are usually fearful of humans and avoid coming into contact with them. However, urban coyotes (coyotes in residential neighborhoods and cities) are increasingly becoming less fearful of humans. This is attributed to humans feeding coyotes which causes them to associate people with food. Coyotes who have little to no human interaction (mostly area are very fearful of people, which is their natural behavior. Interactions with urban coyotes can be prevented by avoiding feeding them, keeping pets indoors, keeping trash/compost bins secure, and hazing non-fearful coyotes by waving your arms, making loud noises, and making yourself appear intimidating.
Coyotes are very resilient animals and studies have proved that exterminating large populations will only increase their numbers. When when a breeding male or female is killed, it causes a disruption in the social structure (primarily in the subordinate coyotes) which promotes an increase in dispersal of young coyotes and reproduction. A decreased volume of coyotes within a pack can also pressure females to reproduce more frequently.
Because coyote-related pet deaths can and do happen, especially in residential areas, humans have developed a deep-seated fear and hatred towards the canines; despite them only acting out of instinct and survival rather than malice. While a pet's death can be a traumatic experience for the owner, it is preventable. Almost all coyote attacks on pets happen outside, so by keeping your pet indoors, you can effectively prevent coyote predation. Removing food sources such as pet food, bird feeders, unsecured trash, or open compost piles will also keep coyotes out of your yard.
Coyotes are crepuscular animals, meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn, but will alter their behavior depending on food availability. Additionally, a naturally crepuscular animal being seen seen during the daytime does not always mean that it's rabid. If the animal is behaving abnormally (acting disorientated, sickly, unnaturally bold, exhibiting aggressive behavior, or other similar symptoms), it should be reported to wildlife authorities.
Yes! Like wolves, coyotes play an important role in our ecosystems. They are critical for regulating rodent populations and other disease-carrying animals such as white-tailed deer, mice, chipmunks and gray squirrels. Coyote predation on these animals can significantly reduce the spread of the disease. Regulated prey populations also improves diversity and balance.
Yes, coyotes are scavengers, but carrion (dead animals) is not the only thing they eat. Coyotes are omnivores (meaning they eat both plants and other animals.) Rodents such as mice and rats make up the majority of a coyote's diet. (42%), followed by fruit (23%), and then white-tailed deer (22%) among other things (garbage, carrion, etc). However, coyotes are uportunistic hunters and given the food avalibility, they will eat close to anything.