Coyote On My Property, What Do I Do?

Coyotes are common in every state (except Hawaii), and can be found in rural, suburban, and urban areas. Coyotes remain active at all times of the day, but can be especially active at dusk and dawn. They can be aggressive towards humans and animals and are known to carry many different diseases. Although it is common to see a coyote roaming alone, they typically run in packs or groups, even in urban environments.

Since mating season is in the first few months of the year, it is typical to see and hear coyotes more often during the months of January-March. They are particularly common in areas where they have a good food source and places where they can den. Coyotes have been known to eat farm animals and pets; specifically, chickens, small dogs, and sheep.

It is important to note to never feed or attempt to raise a coyote in a domestic environment. Often times people will mistaken a small lone coyote for a pup. Many times it ends up being a small full grown coyote that is on the prowl. Coyotes will send out a scout to see if there are any food sources while the remainder of the pack stays back. To attempt to rescue a single coyote puts you and your animals at risk to be harmed by one, or many, coyotes.

It is best to eliminate all food sources from outside. If you live in a rural area and have livestock, keeping your fences high and strong so they cannot access them is recommended. Keep all small pets inside unless under your supervision and on a leash. Also, clear out brush and wood piles, and anywhere an animal is likely to hide.

If your efforts to prevent coyotes are ineffective, removing them may be your only option. If you live in an area where you can hunt, hunting a trapping season presents a great opportunity to control coyotes. It is important to follow all state and local laws when attempting to hunt or trap a coyote.

Many states have coyotes on their nuisance animal list, allowing the landowner or a designee to kill a coyote on their property if the coyote is doing, or about to do damage, to you, your property, or your animals.

If you do not live in an area where you can hunt or trap the animals, we highly recommend contacting your local animal control agency or a specialist like Critter Capture to assist in removing the animals from your property.