Coyotes (Canis latrans) are found throughout the United States. As with all pests, the first step in control is positive identification. In the case of coyotes, this step can be difficult to accomplish due to the coyote's secretive lifestyle.
First and foremost, it is helpful to gain a general understanding of coyotes' biological characteristics. They can range in color from yellow to red to gray to black. Adult coyotes can range from 20 to 50 pounds in weight and measure from 45 to 65 inches in length. The breeding period for coyotes takes place in early March, and the gestation period lasts for about 60 days. Coyotes will usually have an average of six pups in a litter, although this number can be significantly higher. Throughout the summer and early fall, these pups will stay near to their mother. By late fall to early winter, the pups will be fully grown adults and will venture out on their own.
The abundance and availability of food will play the biggest role in determining the size and location of the new home range for the young coyotes, which is usually a couple of square miles. As adults, coyotes will travel and hunt for food on a solitary basis, or perhaps as pairs, but not as packs.
Coyotes are the most active at night, although they are commonly up and about during portions of daytime as well. Coyotes are very versatile in their habitat requirements--they can successfully thrive in woodlands, thickets, and fields. As with most wildlife, they will typically be found somewhere near a food source. Because they consume such a wide array of foods, coyotes can be major nuisances to farmers and producers, as they often feed on young, injured, or dead animals of larger size, such as livestock calves and deer fawns.
Coyotes are common carriers of canine diseases, including rabies. Besides posing a threat to animals, coyotes have also been known to feed on certain fruits and vegetables and are particularly fond of watermelons.
Other than hearing or seeing coyotes, other good ways to identify them is by their tracks and scats. Coyote tracks will resemble those of a medium-sized dog, but close inspection will reveal that the two foremost toenails point in toward each other and are commonly the only toenails seen in the track. The scats also look like that of a dog but will usually contain small bones and hair.
Prevention and control of damage is not easy to accomplish due to the intelligence and adaptability of coyotes. However, there are some measures that can be taken to reduce the coyote population in particular areas. Shooting and trapping (number 3 or 4 leghold traps) are two effective methods of control. Snares are also very effective. People should contact the state Department of Natural Resources before attempting any of these control measures.
For people experiencing problems with coyote predation in livestock settings, guard animals are useful. Llamas are very successful in areas with the low activity of one or two coyotes. They don't do well defending against a pack of coyotes, and can become prey animals themselves. Intact male llamas should not be used as guard animals for sheep or goats. Not every llama is a good guard animal, and potential llamas should be screened by an experienced person.
Donkeys can also make good guard animals but often injure newborn lambs and kids by biting them or picking them up. Jennies (female donkeys) are more successful. Again, don't use an intact jack (male donkey), and rely on an experienced person to choose an appropriate donkey.
If the problem involves packs of coyotes and serious predation, livestock guard dogs are the answer. These dogs should be run in pairs or greater numbers, depending on the number of livestock involved and the size of the acreage. Only dogs specifically bred for this work should be used.
Producers should make sure that they clean up any carrion (decaying flesh) that may be present in the fields, as this serves as a magnet to coyotes. Gardeners may consider planting their crops in closer proximity to their homes, as increased human activity tends to reduce coyote damage.
Other control methods that can be used with success include sonic and visual repellents. Poison is not a recommended control for coyotes, as it can serve as a potential threat to other animals in the area. For more information about coyotes. contact your local Cooperative Extension office or state Department of Natural Resources.
Resources: (online)
Colorado State
Coyote Info
Texas A & M Information
ICWDM.org
Coyote Protection Dogs
