With the virtual demise of the wolf in the early 1900's the coyote has emerged as the foremost canine predator in the West. Having survived all attempts at eradication (hunting, trapping, shooting, poisoning), this species has remained a strong link in the ecological cycle.

As with many wild animals, the coyote, when left alone, will regulate his own numbers. If`coyotes in a certain area are killed, die or are relocated, the remaining members will fill the vacancies, either with larger litters or by allowing outsiders to move into the area.

Due to the rapid loss of habitat by over-developing, many coyotes have found themselves co-habitating with humans, often to the dismay of the humans. With a little knowledge, we humans can learn to co-exist with this native species. Eradication of the coyote from certain areas disturbs the eco-system of that area and will not solve the problem of dealing with the "urban" coyote. Education and co-existence are the keys.

HOW TO CO-EXIST

• Do not feed the wildlife. While many of us enjoy the small songbirds in our yards, large amounts and prolonged use of wild bird seed will attract not only the wild birds but the rabbits, squirrels, mice and gophers. These little creatures will in turn attract the coyote and other predatory animals. If you do feed the wild birds, put out only small amounts of seed at a time. Table scraps, leftovers, etc. should be discarded and not left outdoors for the wildlife. Those who employ this practice may have neighbors who'd prefer to keep the wildlife at a distance. Be a good neighbor and don't encourage the wildlife to become dependent on you.
  
  
• Do not keep pet food outdoors, Coyotes are scavengers and on a slow day, a dish of dog or cat food really hits the spot and keeps them coming back for more.
  
  
• Pick that fruit. Grapes, berries, soft fruits, and avocados are a coyote's dessert. Pick your fruit as soon as it ripens and keep rotted fruit off the ground.
  
  
• Make your trash cans inaccessible. Keep trash can lids securely fastened or keep trash cans in your garage until trash day. Ammonia or pepper in the trash can may also discourage the scavenging coyote,
  
  
• Battery operated flashing lights, tape recorded human noises, scattered moth balls and ammonia-soaked rags strategically placed may deter coyotes from entering your property.
  
  

Practice good animal husbandry

1. Keep cats and small dogs indoors, allowing them outside only under strict supervision. In addition to coyotes, small pets often fall prey to free-roaming and feral dogs and great-horned owls.
   
   
2. Chickens, rabbits and other small animals often kept outdoors should be kept in well-protected areas and in sturdy cages at night. Cages made of chicken wire are meant only for keeping small animals contained. They will not keep desperate coyotes or other predators from entering. Stronger gauge wiring is a necessity in protecting these small animals.
   
   
3. Coyotes rarely climb anything higher than a six (6) foot fence. Augment your existing fencing with extenders angled outwardly, hot wire, or cement blocks and large rocks buried outside the fence line to prevent animals from digging into your yard.
   
   
4. Coyotes and all other predatory mammals are "opportunistic hunters. While the coyotes' principal diet may be small rodents and fruit, they will not hesitate to prey on small domestic animals if the "opportunity" provides for such. Consequently, if you move to or presently live in an area frequented by coyotes, it is your responsibility to afford fundamental protection for all of your domestic and companion animals.
   
   
5. Coyotes are attracted to and can mate with unspayed or unneutered domestic dogs. Unspayed female dogs in season will attract male coyotes, and, unneutered male dogs can be lured away by the scent of a female coyote in her ovulation cycle. Additionally, there have been cases of male dogs being lured by the female coyote's scent and killed by male coyotes. It is strongly advised that people living in areas frequented by coyotes have their dogs spayed or neutered to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
   
   
6. Trapping and re-location of coyotes is not a recommended, viable, or legal alternative. Coyote pups, although weaned at an early age, may remain with their mother into their second year, often helping the mother care for her newest litter. Disruption of this "pack" can mean devastation for the whole group or cause disoriented or suddenly orphaned coyotes to deviate from the norm and prey on easy game (i.e. small dogs, rabbits, chickens, etc.)

BENEFITS
The coyote was "Song Dog" to the American Indians. Anyone who hasn't been thrilled by the vocalizations of these American legends has either missed a real treat or should consider moving to a coyote-free area, Coyotes help keep the balance of nature in order, and are great at rodent control. An area with coyotes will not be overrun with mice, gophers, squirrels or rabbits, Natural rodent control is certainly preferable to our man-made poisons and inhumane traps. Most of the intelligent cattle ranchers in the West welcome coyotes on their lands as a way of controlling the burrowing rodents whose holes have injured many cows and horses during round-up time. Coyotes love insects and many a farm has been saved from massive large insect invasions (i.e. grasshoppers) by allowing the coyotes to roam the fields.

Click here for a printable collection of the articles listed above from the booklet "Bats In Your Belfry, Tips On Co-Existing With Urban Wildlife."