Coyote Info

Coyotes are common throughout North America, including in urban areas. Yes, even in every major metropolitan city.

These facts and safety tips will help increase comfort and decrease conflicts when living or recreating near America’s native “Song Dog”.

FACTS
• Coyotes are members of the dog family; they are curious, remarkably adaptable, and learn quickly.

• Coyotes are monogamous and mate for life they are devoted parents, and are highly communicative (barks, yips, howls).

• Coyotes weigh 20-50 pounds in our area. Our average coyotes are about 35 pounds.

• Coyotes may be more protective of dens and territories during pup rearing (April-Aug).

• Coyotes eat large numbers of rodents and rabbits, as well as fruit, vegetation, insects and carrion (roadkill). They help keep vital ecosystems in balance, healthy and clean. But human and pet foods (and water) may attract coyotes, so eliminate these attractants to reduce negative encounters.

• Coyotes are naturally wary of people but can habituate to our presence and the reliable food sources that we provide.

SAFETY
• DON’T FEED COYOTES. Their life and public safety depend on coyotes remaining wild and naturally wary of people.

• Remove attractants; pick up trash, secure garbage, and feed pets inside. Don’t leave food outside at night.

• Always walk dogs on leashes, especially during pup rearing season (April-Aug). Pick up your small dog if you see a coyote and don’t let pets roam at large. And don't forget hand held leashes are legally required for your dogs.

• If approached, don’t run. Wave arms, make noise and walk toward the coyote until he retreats. Be “Big, Bad and Loud.” See Hazing Guidelines below

• Avoid areas where coyotes may be denning or feeding/hiding pups. (Vacant lots with lots of places to hide.)

EDUCATED COEXISTENCE
Urban landscapes offer an abundance of food, water, and shelter for coyotes. If you frequently see a coyote near your home, one or more neighbors may
be unknowingly providing food or shelter. Take the following steps to prevent coyotes from being attracted to your home.

• Wildlife-proof garbage in sturdy containers with tight fitting lids.

• Don’t leave pet food outside.Share this list with your neighbors; coexistence is a neighborhood effort.

• Take out trash the morning pick up is scheduled.

• Keep compost in secure containers.

• Keep fallen fruit off the ground. Coyotes eat fruit.

• coyotes are seen in your yard.which then attract coyotes. Remove feeders if Keep birdseed off the ground; seeds attract rodents

• Install motion-sensor lights near buildings.

• Keep barbecue grills clean.

• Eliminate accessible water sources.

• Clear away brush and dense weeds near buildings.

• Close off crawl spaces under decks and around buildings where coyotes may den.

• If you frequently see a coyote in your yard, make loud noises with pots, pans, or air horns, and haze the coyote with a water hose.