Coyote Information

Here is some general coyote information we posted in the 1/29/07 email bulletin that was provided to us by animal services on 3/26/06:

“Coyotes have 11 different vocalizations so people often think they are hearing a large pack, but it is only one or two coyotes making several different calls. Coyotes are about the size of a medium-sized collie dogs averaging 30 lbs., less than 3 ft in length from nose to base of tail and about 1.5 ft. tall at the shoulder. They are omnivores. Their typical diet includes cottontail rabbits, rodents, bullfrogs, reptiles, Mexican plums, Texas persimmons, carrion and unsecured garbage. They do NOT hunt in packs because their prey species are not large enough to share.

Coyotes are most active between 10pm and midnight. They normally travel between 1 to 4 miles per night. Their home range is about 5 square miles (3154 acres). The home ranges of several coyotes may overlap. A breeding pair will defend a territory of 300 acres surrounding their den site. Coyotes begin breeding when they are 1.5 years old. They breed between January and May.

What are the issues?
Distemper or parvo transmission to pets: If pets are vaccinated, this is not an issue. Coyotes sometimes kill cats and small dogs if they are free-ranging.

Proactive strategy
Track sightings (DFW Wildlife hotline)

Educate the public on effective aversion techniques
shout at coyote, throw sticks or small rocks at coyote, use garden hose to spray water at coyote, install Coyote Roller (http://www.coyoteroller.com/), install Water Scarecrow (http://www.scatmat.com/)

Enact/enforce ordinances against: free-ranging cats, leaving pet food outside at night, deliberately feeding coyotes.