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.

As with many wild animals, the coyote, when left alone, will regulate their 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.

Trapping or hunting coyotes is illegal in the state of California. They are protected under the native species act.

Coyotes are a vital part of our eco-system, eating disease carrying rodents and keeping the rodent population to a minimum. They are also are a main buffer from certain diseases carried by vermin to your home, diseases that the coyote cannot catch (ie plague). 

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 protection for all of your domestic and companion animals.

We have included some tips to keeping them out of your yards if you don’t want them there as well as how to live with them peacefully:

 

*Coyote Rollers  http://www.coyoteroller.com/coyote_roller  These are easy to install and will make your yard COYOTE PROOF!

*Battery operated flashing lights, tape recorded human noises, scattered moth balls and ammonia-soaked rags strategically placed may deter coyotes from entering your property.

*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.

*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.

 

*Do not feed the coyotes. Coyotes have a job to do, let them do it! By feeding them you create a dependency on humans. This is not healthy for the coyotes.  Feeding wild animals is also illegal.

*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,

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.

 

Lastly, contrary to belief coyotes do not howl when they make a kill, they howl when they communicate to other coyotes. 

 

 

                                      

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