Coyote Facts

One of our favorite things about "rustic living" is listening to the coyotes howl in the woods near our lodge

Sometimes they sound very close by!

Hearing a coyote is much more common than seeing one. Their calls are most often heard between dusk and dawn. That's because they are are primarily nocturnal - yet they can also be seen and heard during daylight hours.

The coyote call is high-pitched and can be described as howls, yips, yelps, and barks. The calls can be a long howl or a series of short yips. If several coyotes are in the same location, the howling of one will trigger that of the others, resulting in an impressive chorus. Just two coyotes howling in unison can create the illusion of a dozen or more.

Although the coyote calls are made throughout the year, they are most common during the spring mating season and in the fall when the pups leave their pack to establish new territories.

Did you know that

• coyotes typically grow up to 75–87 centimeters (30–34 inches)in length and on average, weigh from 7–21 kilograms (15–46 pounds)
• northern coyotes are typically larger than southern subspecies, with the largest coyotes on record weighing 74¾ pounds (33.7 kg) and measuring over five feet in total length. Wow!
• mountain coyotes tend to be dark furred while desert coyotes tend to be more yellowish in color
• the gestation period lasts from 60 to 63 days and litter size ranges from 1 to 19 with an average of six pups

You may have heard of "coydogs" - well, coyotes will sometimes mate with domestic dogs. This usually in areas where the coyotes are plentiful and the breeding season is extended by warm weather.

Coyotes originally ranged primarily in the western half of North America,but since the early 19th century, they have been steadily and dramatically extending their range including the move into densely populated urban environments.

What do they eat?

They eat small mammals, such as voles, prairie dogs, eastern cottontails, ground squirrels, and mice, though they will eat birds, snakes, lizards, deer, javelina, and livestock as well as large insects and other large invertebrates. Rabbits and hares are typically dietary staples. Although they will consume large amounts of carrion, they prefer fresh meat.

Fruits and vegetables are a significant part of the coyote's diet in the autumn and winter months Packs of coyotes can bring down prey as large as adult elk. Blueberries and other wild fruits are commonly eaten, in quantity, in summer and fall.

Part of the coyote's strength as a species is its ability to adapt its diet. Coyotes have been known to eat human garbage and domestic pets.

Are they dangerous?

Here's one coyote fact that I was glad to find. Coyote attacks on humans are uncommon and rarely cause serious injuries, due to the relatively small size of the coyote. Apparently there is only one recorded fatal attack on a human.

Coyotes are presently the most abundant livestock predators in western North America, causing the majority of sheep, goat, and cattle losses.

Coyotes are often attracted to dog food and small animals. Items like garbage, pet food and sometimes even feeding stations for birds and squirrels will attract coyotes into backyards they will kill and eat cats and small dogs. Dogs larger than coyotes are usually able to capably defend themselves, although small breeds are more likely to suffer injury or be killed by such attacks.

Signs of coyotes

The most prevalent sign that coyotes are nearby is the sound of their howling. You may see coyote tracks which are more oval-shaped and compact than those of domestic dogs and the claw marks are less prominent. Their tracks tend to follow a straight line more closely than those of dogs.

Controlling coyotes on your property

If you have chickens or livestock you may need to take some precautions.

• Electric fences are the most expensive route, but have shown the most consistency in protecting livestock from coyotes. There is considerable evidence that properly constructed electric fences can reduce or eliminate coyote attacks.
• A guard dog (a working animal not a pet) especially in conjunction with an electric fence can prevent losses.
• Consider putting small animals/livestock inside a barn at night.

Hope you enjoyed these coyote facts!