1900s western
ranchers waged a war against the coyote. This was primarily due to the coyote’s
destruction of livestock. The coyote was costing ranchers and farmers millions
of dollars annually. These losses were being increased with the cost of guns,
traps, poisons and other methods for reducing the number of coyotes. However,
the coyote again proved it was one of nature’s true survivors. In fact, it
was noticed that as the coyote’s numbers were being reduced by man’s
methods their litter sizes increased! The coyote proved its adaptability as
few animals ever have.
Coyote Facts…
Coyotes
are by nature territorial creatures. In most cases, coyotes will often push
smaller predators, such as foxes, out of their habitants. Coyotes generally
breed in the early spring. Gestation averages 63 days. Litter sizes will
average from 3-5 pups. Pups will usually be born in earthen dens, hollow logs,
caves or abandoned buildings.
The
common weights for eastern coyotes will range from 18-25 pounds for females
and males may range from 22-35 pounds with records showing even heavier
weights among some animals.
Males
usually support larger bushier tails than females.
The
track of a coyote appears much like that of dog with the exception of being
narrower. The front foot of the coyote will appear larger than that of the
back.
The
scat of a coyote will generally have tapered ends as compared to round or
blunt ends of a dog.
Coyotes
almost always kill for food. This should be noted by anyone living in the
range of the coyote. The reason for this is that coyotes are opportunists and
will feed on almost anything they can. This includes livestock, pets,
vegetation, insects, rodents and carrion. It is the coyotes’ eating habits
that cause the problems with man. However, not all is as it sometimes appears.
Classic
Killers…
The
coyote has gained a reputation for being a violent and destructive animal. The
manner in which the coyote preys are often viewed as merciless. In most
instances, the coyote will try to maim and disable its victim, often feeding
before death occurs. But, in almost every case, the coyote will feed on its
victim, a dog may not.
Throughout
the south, the canine predator that causes the most problems among livestock
is the common dog.
Free-ranging
and feral dogs cause a wide range of damage problems. Often as not these
problems are blamed on the coyote. This in turn often results in the problem
never being resolved for the landowner. This is why it is important to know
the significant differences between the two animals.
Feeding…
As
stated earlier, coyotes almost always feed on the prey. In most instances, the
feeding will begin near the pelvic and/or throat areas. The amount consumed
will vary with the number of attackers and the amount of time they had to
feed. Coyotes will sometimes drag their prey in brush for later feeding.
Free-ranging
dogs generally do not feed on livestock kills. Feral dogs, if hungry, may feed
to some degree. In most instances, the signs of dog feeding will appear at
random on victims.
Multiple
Attacks...
A
misidentification between coyote and dog attacks/kills is the number of
victims. Although coyotes can create a multiple attack, especially in the case
of small livestock, it is much more common behavior for a pack of dogs. Dogs
will kill or mutilate indiscriminately, while coyotes generally follow a
pattern. In most cases the coyote will target the victims head, throat or its
flanks. Dogs usually exhibit a wide range of injuries.
Examination
of the area for tracks and scat are the best means of identifying the problem.
Coping With
the Problem…
Coyote
control methods have changed over the decades. Poisons are illegal primarily
due to non-target impacts and potential danger to humans.
Today
the employing of guard animals, such as dogs and donkeys, aids in repelling
coyote attacks. Trapping and shooting are the best means for reduction of
population within an area. Farmers and ranchers can often work with local
sportsmen’s clubs or seek the help of an experienced trapper/hunter.
Dog
problems are a trickier business for obvious reasons. Although domestic
animals often do more harm than wild animals, the general public does not
approve killing them. It is always
