Coyotes
Photo by Devonyu / Getty
The coyote (Canis latrans) is a species native to North America that, through their incredible ability to adapt to human-managed areas, has expanded their range across nearly all habitats. These family-oriented canids play a vital role in ecosystems, particularly in managing populations of small rodents that can grow quickly and spread disease in urban centres or wreak havoc on farms.
A mating pair of coyotes stays together for life, and both parents play a role in feeding and teaching pups. This strong family bond is one of the many reasons it’s vital to find non-lethal solutions to resolve conflict with coyotes.
Concerns
Through a combination of media sensationalism, persistent myths, and messaging from groups who profit from conflict, coyotes are frequently portrayed as “nuisances” or dangerous animals. As predatory animals, conflict can quickly escalate if not appropriately addressed, and occasionally, pets or livestock can be injured.
Fear-based messaging about coyotes often ignores research showing that indiscriminate hunting and trapping can have unintended consequences. Population disruption has been linked to larger litter sizes, changes in social dynamics, and, ultimately, increased human-coyote conflict. Despite repeated attempts to reduce coyote populations through culls, coyotes consistently return to areas with suitable habitat and resources.
Photo by Frank Fichtmüller / Getty Images
Solutions
In the majority of investigated coyote conflict cases – and as supported by a growing body of scientific evidence – it is often human behaviour that creates the conditions for conflict. And it is through changes in human behaviour that effective solutions can be found.
Eliminate Resources
Coyotes go where the food is – just like any dog. By eliminating the resources they desire (also known as attractants), we can eliminate their interest in our backyards or specific areas. Tips for this include:
- Never feed coyotes. Intentional and unintentional feeding of coyotes causes the majority of conflict.
- Keep pet food indoors.
- Keep trash cans covered and compost secure.
- Clean up any fallen fruits or berries.
- Properly remove deadstock on ranches and farms.
- Do not allow bird feeders to overflow.
Educate Your Community
Full community buy-in is necessary to prevent and mitigate conflict with wildlife. Talk to your neighbours and friends, encourage presentations in schools or community associations about coyotes, or host a night to watch one of our informative webinars with your family.
The Fur-Bearers are also strong advocates of wildlife feeding bylaws for municipalities, which can be used to promote education and ensure compliance when conflict situations begin to arise or escalate.
Create Safe Boundaries
Coyotes are highly intelligent animals that respond to our behaviour. Using aversion conditioning techniques, also known as hazing, we can condition coyotes to avoid people, pets, and certain areas. Hazing can include:
- Making yourself large and loud by shouting and waving your arms above your head.
- Creating shake cans or other noise-makers to deter them.
- Throwing rocks or sticks toward – but not at – them to discourage them from approaching.
- Using motion-sensitive lights or sprinkler systems to make an area less appealing, particularly at night.
- If a coyote approaches you, do not run or turn your back.
These non-lethal solutions have proven effective in communities across Canada. If you have further questions about coyotes, please contact us at [email protected].
eLearning Module
This eLearning module developed by our friends at Coyote Watch Canada and the City of Toronto is an outstanding resource to learn more about coyotes in the urban landscape and how to coexist. Click here to give it a try!