Keeping Safe From Coyotes

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Maybe you’ve seen them in your neighborhood and mistaken them for a dog. Is it a thin collie with those small pointed ears, slender muzzle and bushy tail? Is it a German Shepherd mix? Oops no! It’s a coyote! …and in spite of being hunted and trapped for more than 200 years, Wildlife Service reports that more coyotes exist today than when the U.S. Constitution was signed!

Coyotes are generally most active at night, but they can be “on the move” during the day with most sightings occurring during the hours close to sunrise and sunset. Our areas here in San Diego have reported an increase in sightings as more and more housing developments go up driving these animals from their habitats. Like myself, you may have spotted them walking right up your street in those wee morning hours and checked to make sure your pets were safely inside. I say a little prayer when this happens, but I feel it’s not the coyote’s fault for being there…it’s ours as we move more and more into former wildlife habitats.

Coyotes are very adaptable and prolific breeders with usually 4-5 pups born in the early Spring. In urban areas, dens for these young are made in storm drains, parks, under thick shrubs, golf courses and even under outdoor sheds. Both parents seek meat for raising the pups and with this dramatic increase in need, human and coyote conflicts also often increase. By October if food has been provided in any way by humans, the young have been trained not to fear humans and will develop dependencies on easy food sources… which could wind up being your pet if left outdoors unattended or all night!

Wildlife Service Information at www.Aphis.usda.gov has given us some tips on reducing our human/coyote conflicts and suggest the following:

  • Do not feed coyotes! These are wild animals and cannot be domesticated… and they can bite!
  • Eliminate sources of water, particularly in dry climates.
  • Bird feeders should be positioned so coyotes can’t get the feed. Table scraps, bread and seed are attractants for them.
  • Secure garbage containers and eliminate enticing garbage odors.
  • Feed your pets indoors whenever possible. Pick up any leftovers if feeding outdoors. Store pet and livestock feed where it is inaccessible to wildlife.
  • Trim and clean, near ground level, any shrubbery that provides hiding cover for coyotes or prey.
  • Fencing your yard could deter coyotes. The fence should be at least 6 feet high with the bottom extending at least 6 inches below ground level for best results. “Coyote Rollers” purchased or made, can add extra protection across the top of the fence.
  • Don’t leave pets or small children unattended outside if coyotes have been frequenting the area.
  • Keep pets safely confined and provide secure nighttime housing for them.
  • Walk your dog on a leash and accompany your pet outside, especially at night.
  • Provide secure shelters for poultry, rabbits, and other vulnerable animals.
  • Discourage coyotes from frequenting your area. If you start seeing coyotes around your home or property, chase them away by shouting, making loud noises and throwing small pebbles.

Coyotes and other wildlife are here to stay….and we don’t want to destroy any species on our planet. Using these guidelines, however, may help decrease coyote sightings in your area, protect you pets and encourage these intelligent members of the dog family to go elsewhere.

Article by Judy Macomber from “Planting with Your Pooch and Other Pets” 760.631.7886