Coyotes are growing in numbers in suburban areas.  Nature lovers enjoy catching a glimpse of this beautiful animal.  Some enjoy listening to the song of the coyote at night.  However, coyotes are often classified as nuisance animals to farmers, and many suburban residents do not want to see them around for fear they will attack children or pets.

The coyote is native to North America and weighs in on average 25-35 pounds.  These gray/brown wild canines can be found in forests, especially near open farmland where they can hunt small rodents, squirrels, rabbits, geese, and even larger prey such as deer.  Coyotes have been known to hunt sheep and small pet animals.

More and more, people are seeing and hearing coyotes in suburban, and even urban areas.  Why is this?

As more and more land is developed, the available home area for many animals is shrinking.  Forests and farmland are being destroyed to make way for neighborhoods, businesses, and roads.  These animals must go somewhere to live and find food.  Therefore, we see more of these animals on the road and in our backyards.  Also, their food can often be found in our backyards.  Rabbits and deer forage on plants, and our gardens can be mighty inviting.  Squirrels and birds move around to find their food, including insects and nuts…both of which can be found in our backyards.  With these animals moving into the neighborhoods to eat and bed down, the coyote is simply following its prey and looking for a new home.

What can we do to avoid interactions with coyotes in our backyards?

First of all, a physical barrier such as a fence will keep them out of your yard.  Coyote can and will hide in the brush, and split-rail fencing in a simple obstacle for the coyote.  A chain-link fence or a privacy fence will help deter the coyote.  Consider fencing in your garden area as well.

Next, do not leave pet food outside, especially at night.  This will attract many small animals, which in turn, will attract the coyote.

 

Finally, when you let your dogs out at night, take them out on a leash with a flashlight, and stay close to your house, especially if you do not have a physical fence.  A porch light or floodlight is great for giving you a well-lit area to stay in while your pet does its business.  Check the yard first to be sure you don’t see any animals before going out with your dog.  Leashes will keep your pet close to you and give you a chance to pull your dog in with you should the need arise.  (Also, this may help you avoid other unwanted wildlife encounters, such as a skunk!)

As for attacking children, this is extremely rare and not in general nature of the coyote unless it fears it is in danger, or is ill.  Don’t let small children outside in the backyard without adult supervision.  Teach older children to calmly walk inside if they see a coyote in the yard.

As a side note, coyotes can carry canine distemper, canine hepatitis, leptospirosis, and rabies.  Be sure your dog is up to date on these important vaccines for its protection (and yours!).