Coyotes
{Canis latrans}
Coyotes are members of the canine or dog family. While typically lighter built than wolves, they have lots of variation in both size and color. They are social animals and can be very vocal with howls, yips, and barks. Coyotes are nocturnal predators and often hunt for snowshoe hare or white-tailed deer during the night, though they will also eat carrion or wild berries and fruit if prey is not readily available. They have pronounced ears and long course fur.
Are Coyotes Dangerous?
While coyotes are territorial animals, they are not typically dangerous to humans, but that doesn't mean you want them hanging around your property. Coyotes are intelligent and opportunistic animals and will often prey on domestic animals as well as those living in the wild. While there are several reported cases of coyote attacks on humans, including at least one fatality, coyotes are generally shy around people. The longer coyotes frequent your property, the more comfortable they become, and the more likely they are to be aggressive. Coyotes can also carry and spread diseases like rabies, making them an additional threat to both you and your pets. Unafraid or aggressive wildlife should always be suspect and warrant professional wildlife removal.
Why Do I Have A Coyote
Problem?
Coyotes are not picky eaters, and they will look for any easy opportunity for a meal. If you have accessible food on your property, coyotes are more likely to settle nearby and return frequently. Easily found food could include unprotected livestock and pets, open garbage cans or dumpsters, or even fallen fruit or an untended garden. If you have a coyote problem, there is likely something on your property that coyotes benefit from. It's important to find that source and work to mitigate it to encourage coyotes to move onto more natural spaces.
Where will I find
Coyotes?
There was a time when coyotes lived primarily in open prairie lands and deserts. However, coyotes have proven themselves to be extremely adaptable creatures, and they now roam in a variety of habitats all across North America, including forests and mountains, as well as cities like Los Angeles. The fact that coyotes can survive in a rapidly changing environment and find success in multiple habitats has led their populations to grow to an all-time high.
How Do I Get Rid Of
Coyotes?
There is no known effective repellent or deterrent device for coyotes. Once coyotes have established themselves on your property, seeking expert and humane wildlife services services is important. There are different options available for wildlife trapping and exclusion of coyotes, but this type of wildlife removal should be performed by a professional. For the safe and effective removal of coyotes from your property, call on the experts at Running Wild. At Running Wild Wildlife Services, we use measures that maintain a safe and healthy home environment. We specialize in the humane removal and relocation of mammals and other wildlife using one-way doors and traps that will not harm the animal. Our specialized services locate the nesting site, devise a removal strategy, and create a custom solution to remove animals and keep them from coming back. We go out of our way to keep both you and the animals safe from harm.
How Can I Prevent Coyotes In The Future?
Aside from working with an expert in wildlife services in Durham Region and surrounding areas, the trick to keeping coyotes away from your properties lies in eliminating the factors attracting them, making access to your property more challenging, and using any available deterrents. Some of the things you can try include: Clear your yard of pet food, fallen fruit, and other food sources. While they are hunters, coyotes will eat a variety of foods. Watch pets carefully, and don't leave them outside unattended for long periods. Keep your garbage covered or inside. Install fencing with buried wire to keep coyotes off your property and away from your home.
While we do not recommend deterrents like ammonia and mothballs, motion-activated devices such as lights, sprinklers, and noise can sometimes help deter coyotes and other wildlife. The important thing to think about with coyote prevention is to encourage them to stay away by keeping them from becoming comfortable on your property.