Coyotes
Facts: Coyotes are generally mistaken for dogs at a distance. This isn't far off as they are part of the same family. The average coyotes is about 25-35 lb. While they generally seek out small rodents (mice, voles, rats, etc) they will not turn down a free meal of pet food and human food scraps. Generally a coyote is not aggressive towards humans and will run. However, due to their ability to adapt well to humans and our urban landscapes (in some cases thriving) encounters are common.
Problem:
Coyote seen during the day: Many think of a coyote as being nocturnal (active during the night). While they are usually more active during dusk to dawn, they are common during the day especially during mating season and when feeding pups. Unless it is acting strange, this is not a cause for alarm. If you feel the coyote is acting strangely, contact your local animal control or rehab facility to determine if the animal needs to be evaluated.
Fearless Coyote: A coyote that doesn't show fear isn't always sick or injured, many times it is used to being fed by humans with no ill effects. The best way to curb this is to reinstill the fear of humans by hazing. When the animal is seen: make loud noise, bang pots and pans, spray it with the hose, etc to make it feel uncomfortable being there. Keep doing this until the coyote no longer comes around (this can sometimes take a few days to weeks).
Coyote in the yard: Coyotes are naturally curious and food driven. Like most animals, if there is garbage or pet food near (free food) they will try to get that vs having to hunt. The easiest way to keep a coyote out of the yard is to not make it an easy food source. Using simple practices like cutting back overgrown brush/landscaping, not composting meat/eggs/fish, keeping garbage secured, etc will help to keep them away. A fence at least 6 ft tall (preferably with a coyote roller on top) is needed to physically keep them out. A coyote roller (sold here) is a free spinning roller that can be attached to the top of the fence to prevent animals from getting the traction to clear the fence. It is also effective for dogs who are fence jumpers.
Fear of being biitten: A coyote bite is rare but not impossible. This usally happens when coyotes are conditioned to being fed by humans and start to seek it out. The best defence is to use measures to prevent attracting them. If you are bitten, call animal control to start needed protocol (Refer to Wildlife Bites page).
Rabid Coyote: Rabies is generally rare in most animals (although any mammal can get it). If you suspect a coyote or animal is sick or injured, please call your local animal control or police department. (Our local listings)
Coyotes vocalizing near the property: This is normal. Coyotes are loosely social meaning they do see each other now and then but don't hunt in packs. A howling coyotes is just simply talking to its friends and is not a cause for concern.
Bald/partially hairless coyote: This is generally a case of mange (mites). This causes a coyote to itch due to the skin irritation and is treatable in most cases. If you see a coyote that appears to be sick or injured, call your local animal control, police or wildlife rehab.