Unfortunately coyotes might be the most maligned animal in North America. They are often treated cruelly simply for existing, yet it is the spread of people and the destruction of forests that have caused coyotes to become so widespread. They live everywhere from the rural desert to downtown in the Bronx of New York. Coyotes are smart, cunning, and are becoming more bold as they live alongside us in our neighborhoods but with a little bit of work and community effort they can become good neighbors. 

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Concern #1 - Coyote and Dog Interactions 

Resolutions: There are a number of different concerns when it comes to dogs and coyotes interacting. One of the most common concerns is with small dogs and coyotes coming into the yard to grab them while unattended. There are coyote proof vests for little dogs, but a more permanent solution is to erect a fence that is at least 6 feet high and is topped with coyote rollers. These are spinning tubes that run across the tops of the fence that prevent coyotes from being able to hook their paws over and climb up. It's also important to make sure there are no trees or rocks that would allow a coyote to simply jump over the fence. You can find both of these products in the external resources below. 

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During the breeding and denning season (Spring, Early Summer) coyotes are more likely to attack a dog that is on a hike or walk with its owner. Coyotes do not look at dogs and think "That's a pet." They see our canine companions just as that - other canines - which might pose a threat to their young. It is especially important to keep your dogs on a leash during this time of year to prevent any issues with protective coyotes.  Small dogs should always be kept on a shorter leash while out hiking because their small size also makes them a prime target for a predatory attack. Avoid using flexible or extendible leashes with small dogs. 

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Unfortunately there is also a very common myth about coyotes that constantly is reiterated on social media and on other media outlets, and that is the myth that coyotes purposely lure dogs away from their families only to lead them back to a pack of coyotes waiting to ambush the dogs. This is not true and instead is a misunderstanding of basic coyote behavior. Dogs see often see coyotes and think "That's a dog!" and will attempt to interact with them or even will chase them. A coyote does not see this as a playful encounter though and will likely run away to wherever they feel safe. Often this will be back to their mate and then they will attempt to fight off the dog that they perceive as a threat. This is not a case of a coyote intent on malice to lure away a beloved pet, but rather a case of a scared wild animal that is defending itself. 

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Concern #2 - Coyotes Attacks on People

Resolutions: As more and more coyotes move into the suburbs there is more risk of negative encounters with them. In California there have been a few attacks by coyotes on small children even with adults close by. Of course if a physical attack has already taken place then that specific coyote should be removed by a professional, but what we want is to never have an encounter like that occur in the first place. This means that as a community we need to haze every single coyote that we see. The simplest way to haze a coyote is to yell at them and be as large and aggressive as possible. Soda cans filled with pennies, banging pots and pans, even small firecrackers can be used to scare a coyote. The goal is to give a coyote a negative experience every time it encounters a human. This will cause them to be more suspicious and cautious of people and result in them not wanting to approach us. Hazing is particularly important when it comes to urban coyotes. Most coyotes in our national forests and wilderness areas will not approach a person in the first place and do not need to be hazed unless they are approaching people, pets, or livestock.

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Concern #3 - Coyotes and Livestock

Resolutions: Keeping small livestock like poultry safe is similar to keeping poultry safe from other small carnivores. You'll want to make sure you have your chicken coop secured with welded 2x4 wire in addition to basic chicken wire. Extending the fencing of the coop underground by at least one foot, or laying wire out on the ground and attaching to the primary fence using hog rings is recommended in order to prevent coyotes from digging into the coop. 

Sheep, goats, calves, and other medium livestock on small family farms can be kept safe by being brought into a barn at night. If that is not an option, electric fencing and coyote rollers can also be used. Livestock guardian dogs are an excellent resource to use in protecting livestock from coyotes. They are typically large breeds like Kangals that significantly outweigh and outpace coyotes and have been bred specifically to protect livestock. Just like with urban coyotes, it is also important for ranch owners to haze any coyote they see on their properties. Non lethal ammunition can be fired at coyotes or in their general vicinity to frighten them.

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Livestock on open range presents different challenges to coexistence than smaller farms. Calves are most vulnerable to predators. During calving season it is best to bring cows and calves in to pastures that are easier to monitor and deploy the same methods listed for smaller farms. Once calves are larger and more mobile they are less likely to attract coyotes. If the livestock owner is out tending to cattle and sees a coyote in the pasture it is important to watch an observe the coyote to see what behaviors it is displaying. Cow pastures are inviting to numerous other species of animals, including gophers, rabbits, and prairie dogs - all which are preferred prey for coyotes. If the coyote is just passing through the pasture and ignoring cattle then it should be left alone. Because coyotes are territorial and will prevent transient coyotes from moving into their territory it is best to live with the resident coyotes which are not causing issues with livestock rather than to kill every coyote that comes across the property.  

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Concern #4 - Yipping Means Coyotes Have Made a Kill

Resolution - While we can't stop coyotes from yipping, rest assured that yipping and howling does not mean that coyotes have killed something in the area. Coyotes use howls and yips for a variety of communications, especially long distance. It can mean they are trying to locate their family members, greeting each other, establishing territory, and more.