Coyotes are closely related to the gray wolf and share many of the same traits as dogs, foxes and jackals. They can be found throughout North America and can weigh up to 45 pounds, but they usually average around 25 pounds. They are about 4 to 5 feet long with yellow eyes, bushy tails and thick fur. Depending on the breed and where they live, they can be reddish to gray in color as well as white, tan or brown.
Urban Coyote Behavior
Coyotes are very smart animals that have a heightened sense of hearing, smell and sight. They are also very fast and can run up to 40 mph. They will eat rodents, birds, pets and garbage that is left outside. Livestock can also fall prey to coyotes. They are solitary animals that hunt at night which is why you’ll hear them howling at nighttime. If they hunt deer, they will do it in a pack. They will usually run if they encounter a human, but if we attract them in any way they will become more comfortable around us.
How to Prevent Coyotes from Entering Your Yard
There are a few different things you can do to keep coyotes away from your property. The most important, even though it might be fun, do not feed them, not even once. This will only encourage them to come back. You make it easier for them to eat because they don’t have to hunt; they can just come to you! Do all you can to prevent your neighbors from feeding them too. Coyotes roaming around in urban or suburban areas is dangerous. If they feel threatened they will bite. Coyote bites are rare but since they can carry disease like rabies it can be dangerous. You need medical help right away if you get bitten by a coyote.
• Because coyotes are nocturnal, keep pets indoors at night and keep farm animals locked up
• Keep garbage sealed tightly
• Don’t feed your pets outside
• Store farm animal food tightly
• Put bird feeders away at night
• Control the rodent population on your property
• Do not leave food out overnight
• Sprinkler system and motion sensor lights can be effective in scaring coyotes
• If coyotes approach you, make loud noises or use an air horn to scare them
• Control the water sources on your property or they will keep coming back
Coyote Live Trapping, Removal & More in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & San Diego Counties, California
Coyotes are beneficial to the environment because they help control the rodent population. If they aren’t putting you at risk and are just passing through, leave them be. You do need to get the help of professionals if they pose a risk to you and your family. If you discover that coyotes have made your property home, you need to contact professional wildlife services to deal with them. Coyotes need to be trapped by professionals and moved to a safer location. Do not try and trap a coyote on your own. If you approach a mother coyote that is protecting her babies she may attack. Coyotes are more scared of us than we are of them. They do however need to be dealt with by professionals. Animal Pest Management Services, Inc. has the tools and experience to safely trap coyotes and relocate them. Contact us for all of your pest control and wildlife removal needs.
