Idaho's landscapes are changing, and with these changes come new challenges in wildlife management, particularly with the growing presence of coyotes in urban and suburban areas. This expansion is not just a matter of wildlife curiosity; it signifies a deeper shift in our ecological dynamics, bringing these wild creatures closer to our homes and businesses. Known for their adaptability, they have started to explore these new territories in search of food, water, and shelter, leading to increased sightings.
The reasons behind this shift involve changes in land use, reductions in natural habitats, and the availability of food sources in human settlements. Ignoring their presence in urban settings can lead to conflicts, posing risks to both humans and animals.
Identification And Unique Characteristics
Often mistaken for medium-sized dogs at a distance, they possess a set of unique characteristics that set them apart from other wildlife and domestic animals. Typically, an adult weighs between 20 to 50 pounds. Their fur color can vary widely from grayish-brown to yellowish-gray, with a distinctive, black-tipped tail that carries below the level of their back. The eyes of a coyote shine with a yellow or amber glow, which can be a telltale sign during nocturnal encounters. Their ears are pointed and alert, and their narrow snout distinguishes them further from domestic dogs. They are opportunistic feeders, which means they're drawn to places where food is readily available, including garbage bins, gardens, and spaces where pets are left unattended.
Warning Signs
One of the most straightforward signs is the presence of tracks, which are distinguishable from those of domestic dogs by their more elongated shape and the relative positioning of the claws. Droppings, or scat, are another clear indicator; they often contain fur or bones from prey and are strategically placed along trails or in areas where coyotes wish to mark their territory.
They exhibit certain behaviors that can signal their scouting or habitation in an area. These include marking territory with urine, digging in search of rodents or creating dens, and the observation of coyotes traversing the same paths or areas regularly. Such patterns suggest a level of comfort and territorial claim by the coyotes, implying a settled presence rather than a transient visit.
Problems They Cause
Instances of biting humans are rare and often involve young children or individuals inadvertently coming between a coyote and its food or offspring. Such situations highlight the importance of maintaining distance and not feeding them, intentionally or unintentionally, to avoid associating humans with food sources.
They are carriers of various diseases, some of which are transmissible to humans and pets. Rabies, although rare, poses a significant risk and necessitates immediate medical attention if a bite occurs. Other diseases such as leptospirosis, distemper, and parvovirus are more commonly carried and can be transmitted to pets. Additionally, they can host parasites like ticks and fleas, which can spread diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever to humans and animals alike.
Their digging behavior, primarily in search of food or while creating dens, can ruin landscapes, gardens, and even undermine structures by disturbing the soil around foundations. Coyotes have been known to chew on irrigation systems, outdoor furniture, and other objects left outside, mistaking them for potential food sources or out of curiosity.
Pets, especially small dogs and outdoor cats are seen as potential prey. There are increasing reports of pets being attacked or taken, particularly during their breeding season when they are more active and aggressive.
Professional Coyote Management
One prevalent myth is that coyotes inherently fear humans and keep their distance. While they generally avoid direct human contact, their behavior can change based on their experiences. In areas where they have become accustomed to human presence, especially where they find food, their natural wariness can decrease, leading them to get closer to human habitats than expected.
They have been known to form partnerships with badgers to hunt. This unlikely alliance benefits both parties, as coyotes can chase down prey if it runs, while badgers can dig after prey if it hides underground.
At Agricole Wildlife Solutions, we're dedicated to fostering a balance between the natural world and our community. If you've noticed signs of coyote activity near your residence or just want to prepare for the possibility, we are here for you. Our team of experts is ready to provide effective, humane solutions for managing coyote interactions. Contact us for an estimate.
Frequently Asked Coyote Questions
Q1: How do they communicate among themselves?
A1: Coyotes utilize a sophisticated array of vocalizations to communicate, ranging from howls and yips to barks and growls. These sounds serve various functions, such as signaling their location, alerting others to danger, claiming territory, or coordinating during hunts. Remarkably, they can alter their calls based on their surroundings, ensuring their communication is effective even in changing environments.
Q2. Is it possible to domesticate a coyote as a household pet?
A2: Despite the intriguing idea, domesticating them is highly inadvisable and illegal in many jurisdictions. As wild animals, they have specific needs and behaviors that make them unsuitable and potentially dangerous as pets. They require expansive territories and exhibit natural behaviors that could pose risks within a domestic setting.
Q3: What is the maximum height coyotes can jump?
A3: They are known for their impressive agility and can jump heights of up to 6 feet vertically. This ability allows them to overcome fences and other barriers in pursuit of food or while escaping from threats. Their strong hind legs give them the power to leap significant distances, which is why effective coyote-proof fencing requires additional measures, such as outward-angled extensions or rollers at the top, to deter them from climbing over.