Coyotes Recent Press (updated daily) on Coyote/Human Interaction

Urban and Suburban Coyotes

We can coexist with wildlife, but it will take some effort. The more we know about our wildlife neighbors, the more likely we are to make good decisions that protect the welfare of people and their pets, as well as wild animals. Once a coyote becomes a problem animal, there aren't very many good options.

To avoid problems with coyotes, people should follow these guidelines:

• Never feed a coyote
• Clear brush and dense weeds from around dwellings
• Protect children
• Protect pets and livestock - Keep small pets such as cats, rabbits, and small dogs indoors, especially at night.
• Use negative reinforcement - If coyotes are present, make sure they know they're not welcome.

Most coyote sightings should be reported to local animal control districts. However, if a coyote acts aggressively or attacks people, call the emergency number 911, or contact the nearest DFG office.

We encourage you to visit the websites below to learn more about suburban coyotes. There you can learn about the experiences of other communities, and you will find specific recommendations that benefit people and wildlife.

General information:

CDFG Cautions to Expect More Contact with Coyotes
April 2004 Press Release
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/news/news04/04033.html

Living with coyotes in Washington
Excellent website from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/diversty/living/coyotes.htm

Living with California Coyotes
Brochure from the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG)
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/gallery/coyote.pdf

Urban and suburban coyotes
2002 paper from Wildlife Services (previously Animal Damage Control) USDA/APHIS
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/pubs/fsheet_faq_notice/fs_wscoyote.html

Coyote Attacks

Coyote attacks: an increasing suburban problem
March 2004 paper focused on southern California
Caution!! – excellent paper but graphic photo of mauled child
http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/awm/docs/coyoteattacks.pdf

Call of the wild
July 2004 Florida article on cat attacked by coyotes
http://www.sptimes.com/2004/07/18/Northpinellas/Call_of_the_wild___in.shtml

Coyotes in Davis and other communities:

Two adult coyotes captured, euthanized
Davis Enterprise, July 30, 2004
http://www.davisenterprise.com/articles/2004/07/29/news/155new2.txt

Complaints about coyotes mounting in North County (San Diego)
San Diego Union Tribune, July 30, 2004
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20040730/news_1mi30coyotes.html

Suburban coyotes on the rise in Florida
April 2004
http://www.napa.ufl.edu/2004news/coyotes.htm

Coyotes at home in eastern United States
National Geographic 2002
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/08/0806_020806_coyote.html

Dealing with Coyote Conflicts

From living with coyotes in Washington (http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/diversty/living/coyotes.htm)

There are several ways that homeowners can discourage coyotes from making pests of themselves or becoming serious threats:

• Keep garbage securely stored, especially if it has to be put on the curb for collection; use tight-locking or bungee-cord-wrapped trash cans that are not easily opened if knocked over by coyotes or dogs.
• Keep compost piles securely covered; correct composting never includes animal matter, like bones or fat, which can draw coyotes even more quickly that decomposing vegetable matter.
• Keep pet food and water inside.
• Keep pets inside or confined securely in a kennel or covered exercise yard.
• Do not feed wildlife on the ground; keep wild bird seed in feeders designed for birds, elevated or hanging above ground, and clean up spilled seed from the ground; coyotes can either be drawn directly to the seed, or to the rodents drawn to the seed.
• Keep fruit trees fenced or pick up fruit that falls to the ground.
• Do not feed feral (domestics gone wild) cats; coyotes prey on the cats, as well as feed on cat food left out for them.
• Minimize ground cover vegetation near children's play areas to avoid attracting rodents and small mammals that will in turn attract coyotes; keep clusters of shrubs, trees and other cover and food plants away from buildings and children's play areas.
• Use noise-making and other scaring devices when coyotes are seen. Check with local authorities regarding noise and weapons ordinances. Portable air horns, motor vehicle horns, propane cannons, starter pistols, low-powered pellet guns, slingshots, and rocks can be effective.
• Be assertive in your attitude and behavior towards coyotes that are not showing normal, healthy fear and respect towards you and others.