ABOUT COYOTESThe coyote (Canis latrans) is a permanent member of North America and occupies almost every country in almost every state in the continent. In fact, coyotes are increasing in number in Ohio, Indiana, and Minnesota. This mammal is a predator to fawns and other wildlife but may also be beneficial to the health of natural wildlife populations in many areas. Because the coyote is smaller than a wolf, many people that are not familiar with the eastern coyote will just think it’s a dog.
What attracts coyotes?Leaving garbage out or trash cans uncovered will lure coyotes to your property. Open pet food containers and pets themselves can often be an easy meal for a hungry coyote as well. If you see a coyote in or around your property, the last thing you want to do is feed it. It might look like a dog to the average person, but you need to remember that it is a wild animal. If you do notice coyotes in your area, it’s best to call a wildlife removal specialist like Varment Guard to trap and remove them safely and humanely.
Coyote Attacks on HumansCoyote attacks on humans are rare, however, they do happen. That being said, to avoid coyote attacks, don’t leave small children outside playing unattended in areas where there have been coyote sightings. Most of the time, fear from coyotes is unwarranted. Issues arise when people, like young children, harass or bother the coyote. Just make sure, if you see a coyote, that you and your kids leave it alone.
Coyote Attacks on PetsCoyotes do attack pets, unfortunately. Most pet attacks from coyotes occur in the winter months as their typical food diminishes. It’s important to keep an eye on small dogs and cats in areas where coyotes are very active. It’s also important that you don’t leave small pets out at night.
Coyote Attacks on LivestockIn agricultural settings, coyotes cause damage to livestock, poultry, and certain crops. Coyotes will attack and kill sheep, calves, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and the young of other animals. In residential communities, these predators are known to hunt and kill dogs and cats that are left outside after dark.
Coyote trapping, exclusion, and monitoring
The experts at Varment Guard provide humane trapping and removal of coyotes. Our licensed and highly skilled coyote trappers will remove nuisance coyotes with the utmost professionalism and caution. Here’s how:
Coyotes are not successfully caught in live catch wire traps. Instead, the experts at Varment Guard place dirt sets using staked leg-hold traps on coyote trails and near den entrances. This constitutes an effective measure for capturing coyotes in rural and new suburban developments. The strategic placement of snares concealed among tall vegetation and brush is another proven method for coyote removal.
Coyotes do not live in close contact with humans. They hunt in urban areas and yards, but they don’t feel safe enough to make dens under man-made structures. If they did, buried wire would be the exclusion method of choice.
Varment Guard also offers the use of cameras to determine the frequency of coyotes on the property prior to trapping, if needed.
- Adult body length (without tail): 36 to 45 inches
- Adult body weight: 22 to 50 pounds
- Gestation period: 60 to 63 days
- Litters per year: 1
- Litter size: 5 to 12 young (usually 5 to 7)
- Breeding season: February through March
- Birthing season: April through May
- Age at which young are weaned: 6 weeks
- Activity period: Night
- Range: 4 to 100 square miles
- Primary foods: Small animals, birds, livestock, carrion, insects, fruits, garbage
Get peace of mind with Varment Guard
If you are concerned about coyotes in your area or coyotes are killing livestock and pets, get in touch with Varment Guard right away. Our wildlife control technicians can assess your coyote problem and can quickly remove or control your coyote population.