Coyotes have been spotted in my neighborhood. On my block.
I live in a densely populated city, but we are not all that far from wild areas. My home is two blocks from my city’s biggest park. Wildlife abounds, at least the small furry or feathered kind. Squirrels and birds are everywhere. Raccoons pass through, and so do skunks. Wild turkeys live off seed from bird feeders and kibble from pets that are fed outdoors. We see ducks from the duck pond in the nearby park. Cats roam freely outdoors.
Given that, it’s no surprise that coyotes have moved in . . . but it is a surprise when those coyotes seemingly stalk people walking their dogs on city streets. It’s happening, though. Coyotes are our neighbors.
How do we protect our pets, our cats and dogs, from coyotes?
To begin with, we can learn about coyotes and understand what motivates their behavior. It’s fairly simple, really. Coyotes are scavengers. They eat just about anything. Their territory expands as their food sources diminish. The more coyotes in an area, the fewer the food sources. Then it’s time for them to move on.
We must do all we can to make sure our neighborhoods, our back yards, do not become popular hangouts for hungry coyotes. Most of the steps to make our ’hoods less attractive to coyotes are easy.
Photo by Diane Aramian
First and foremost, we must do all we can to not be a food source.
▪ Secure garbage in an animal-proof container.
▪ Store garbage containers in a garage or shed.
▪ Put garbage containers out on the morning of pickup instead of the night before.
▪ Feed your pets inside.
▪ Store pet food inside.
▪ Do not use bird feeders.
▪ Cover fish ponds securely.
▪ Clean your barbecue grill after use and store it inside.
▪ Do not add meat or bones to your compost.
▪ Cover your compost bin tightly and securely.
▪ Pick up fallen fruit from fruit trees on your property.
Your or your neighbors have back yard chickens? Know that chickens attract coyotes, and chicken feed attracts rodents . . . which attract coyotes. Secure the chickens and their enclosure.
Good fences make for fewer coyote neighbors. The taller, the better—six feet at least—with a coyote barrier installed on top. Coyotes are jumpers and climbers. Rolling PVC pipe, chicken wire, or even barbed wire can prevent a coyote from scaling a fence. Also, bury the fence under the ground (12 to 18 inches, at a minimum) or use chicken wire held down by concrete blocks to make an underground barrier. Coyotes are diggers, too.
Never leave dogs tied up outside. This is true especially for small dogs, of course, as they easily become coyote snacks. But even big dogs can attract the interest of coyotes. Tied up or chained out, they are unable to escape or fight back. If your yard is not fully fenced and secure, go outside with your dogs. Even in a securely fenced yard, don’t leave your dogs out unwatched.
Keep your cats inside. If you insist on allowing your cats to go outside, bring them safely inside before dusk and keep them in at night. Consider building a secure “catio” so your cats can enjoy being outside without any threat of attack. Or teach your cat to wear a harness and walk on a cat leash!
Experts agree: Do not become complacent about coyotes. Take every opportunity to discourage them from moving into your neighborhood and endangering your pets. Encourage your neighbors to do the same.
Educate others on one simple principle—do not provide a food source. Coyotes are scavengers. Offer them nothing to scavenge. They will move on and your pets will be safer.
Next week, what to do if you and your dog are followed by a coyote, whether you’re walking on a city street or hiking in the wild. Also, what to bring with you if you’re walking in an area known to be frequented by coyotes.
