Coyote
Canis latrans
moderate risk
other
Overview
Adaptable canid rapidly expanding into urban and suburban areas. Primary threat to small pets and outdoor poultry.
53-65cm at shoulder, 55-75cm body. Gray-brown coat, lighter undersides. Bushy tail with black tip carried downward.
Prevention Strategies
- •Do not leave small pets unsupervised outside
- •Secure poultry in fully enclosed housing
- •Hazing - never allow coyotes to feel comfortable near humans
- •Remove attractants: fallen fruit, garbage, pet food
Control Methods
- •Hazing (noise, water, rock throwing) most effective long-term
- •Secure fencing for livestock
- •Lethal control permits for depredating individuals
- •Never feed or allow association with humans
Interesting Facts
- •Has expanded range from desert southwest to all of North America including east coast cities since 1950
- •Urban coyotes avoid humans by day and have large home ranges
- •Eastern coyotes are hybrids with wolf genetics - larger than western coyotes
- •Hazing (bold human response) is the most effective way to prevent problem behavior