Coyotes

Common Questions and Answers

What do coyotes look like?

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are members of the Canine family and can closely resemble large dogs.  They have long, thin legs, a tapered muzzle, and large, pointed ears.  Fur ranges in color from a dull yellow to gray.  An adult male coyote will measure about 4 feet long, including its long, black-tipped, bushy tail, and can weigh between 25 and 42 pounts (females are smaller in size and weight).

For the first time I'm seeing or hearing about coyotes in my community.  Is the population increasing?

This is difficult to determine because we do not have census data on coyotes in Wisconsin.  However, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) does receive reports of coyote sightings and the number of reports is increasing.  It is uncertain if we are receiving more reports due to an increase in the population, the continual expansion of development of rural areas, or as a response to media reports of alleged coyote-related incidents.  A combination of all these factors most likely contributes to this increase in coyote reports.

Where will coyotes most likely be found?

Coyotes prefer woodland edges and brushy areas that provide adequate cover; however, they are very adaptable.  Coyotes will be found using farm fields, parkways, riverways, parks, and other areas with natural vegetation and are common within city limits and residential developments.  Keep in mind that they routinely travel within their territories - part of which may include your back yard.

What role does the coyote play in nature?

Coyotes are extremely versatile predators and scavengers.  They primarily feed on rabbits, small rodents, and animal carcasses but will also eat birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and a variety of vegetation.  White-tailed deer carcasses are a principal food source for the coyote in Wisconsin.  They do not commonly prey upon deer, although they are capable of taking fawns and weakened adults.

As with any predator-prey relationship, coyotes help keep their prey populations helathy and in balance with the environment.  In agricultural areas coyote predation helps reduce crop damage caused by rodents.  Carcass consumption by coyotes helps to prevent the spread of disease with wildlife populations.

Will coyotes attack humans?

Coyotes are typically not aggressive toward humans and are generally fearful of them.  In areas of southeastern Wisconsin, as in other areas where coyotes are not hunted or trapped due to local ordinances, this fear of humans is reduced.  As a result, they may not flee immediately upon observing humans.

Tips on Preventing Problems with Coyotes

Coyotes are a legal game animal in Wisconsin and can be hunted year-round with firearms and trapped during the designated season.  In addition, the owner or occupant of any land, and any member of his or her family, may hunt or trap coyotes on the land without a license at any time (except during the 24 hours preceeding the gun deer opener or in areas designated closed to coyote hunting by the Department during the gun deer season).  In urban settings, local ordinances generally restrict implementation of the above population control options.  If you are concerned about coyotes on your property or in your neighborhood, the following tips can help address these concerns:

  • Do not feed coyotes!  Coyotes are scavengers.  Discard edible garbage items in secure containers.  Do not put meat scraps in compost piles.
  • Remove bird feeders and outside pet food containers.  Coyotes are predators.  They will prey upon small mammals that are attracted to bird seed and pet food.
  • Don't allow pets to run free and walk dogs on a leash.  When the coyotes natural food base is plentiful it seldom preys upon domestic animals.  However, coyotes are territorial and may perceive domestic dogs as a threat to their food base and breeding sites.  Coyotes will prey upon domestic cats.
  • Accompany your pets outside, especially between dusk and dawn when coyotes are most active. 
  • Provide secure shelters for poultry, rabbits, or other outside pets.
  • Actively discourage coyotes from frequenting your property and reinforce their natural fear of humans. Turn on outside lights, make loud noises, throw stones, etc.  Don't be submissive in your actions!  Although the response may not be immediate, eventually the coyotes will flee. 
  • Encourage your neighbors to follow the same advice.

In following these tips eventually the frequency of coyote sightings will decrease.  However, occasional sightings will continue since coyotes are adaptable and learn new ways of survival. 

Additional Information:

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/PUBL/wlnotebook/coyote.htm

"A howl over coyotes", Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine, December 1999 Issue