Coexisting with Coyotes
by Kristan Dael
Coyote sightings in residential areas have increased in recent years. Posts in online neighborhood groups are frequent, some fearful warnings, others appreciating the animals. A pack often seen in one neighborhood park has even been named: Pretty Boy Floyd (on the cover), his mate Ma Barker, and a pup who’s Dad’s spitting image.
Experts say, whatever your feelings about coyotes, they’re here to stay, and the best response is practicing habits for safe, peaceful coexistence.
50plus spoke with Zuriel van Belle, project director of the Portland Urban Coyote Project, to learn more.
Q Can coyotes be deterred from your property?
A Various things can help. It may take trial and error to see what works best. First, ensure you’re not accidentally attracting coyotes: secure compost and trash, don’t feed pets outside, eliminate wildlife feeding stations, and remove fallen fruit. Keep a hazing rattle, air horn, or other noisemaker by the door, or install motion-activated sprinklers, lights, and/or coyote rollers on fences.
Q Is population control possible?
A Population control doesn’t really work with coyotes. There were widespread efforts to remove them, along with wolves, but unlike wolves, coyotes actually increased in number and range. The best solution is to learn to peacefully coexist.
In general, coexistence is easy. Coyotes have lived among us without significant issues for many years. When an individual coyote is removed, the family structure is disturbed, and others quickly move in and/or reproduce to fill the vacancy. The best approach is to allow coyotes to maintain stable family groups and remove access to human and pet food, supervise pets, and scare bold coyotes. Coyotes can be great neighbors as long as these measures are taken.
Q Is there enough “natural” food for coyotes in an urban environment?
A More than enough. In fact, in most diet studies, even coyotes in the most urban areas primarily rely on “natural” food sources such as rodents, birds, fruits, and nuts. Coyotes will eat but don’t generally prefer leftover human or pet food.
Q Are coyotes interested in humans? Is it safe to try to befriend them?
A Coyotes are in the dog family, and like them can be curious, but they are not dogs. While you may be tempted, never try to tame or befriend a coyote. It isn’t safe for you, or them. Coyotes are naturally wary of humans but can lose that when people accidentally or purposely feed them.
Feeding coyotes can put them at risk. They’ll be more comfortable around you, and possibly other humans. They might wonder if a neighbor will also feed them. As they become more comfortable, they’ll spend time closer to human dwellings. This makes some people nervous, and more likely for coyotes to encounter pets. In some cases, coyotes too comfortable around humans are killed. It is legal to hire a wildlife control operator to kill them, so if you love them, don’t tame them. As is sometimes said, “a fed coyote is a dead coyote.”
Q Lifespan?
A Coyotes can live to 13-15, similar to domestic dogs. However, most coyotes don’t make it to their third birthday; their primary cause of death is being hit by a vehicle.
Q Rounding a corner with my dog, I saw a coyote walking away on the sidewalk 10 yards ahead. What to do?
A Keep your pet close and on leash. Next, encourage the coyote to move on by clapping, stomping, blowing a whistle, or yelling. Usually, a coyote will flee with little encouragement. Sometimes, with a coyote more comfortable around people, you need to be a little louder. They are curious. Seeing one needn’t cause alarm, even if they don’t immediately run. Give them space and encourage them to move on.
Q Will a coyote attack a person without provocation?
A It is extremely rare for coyotes to attack people for any reason. During pupping season (March to May), extra caution is prudent. Coyotes may be a little more territorial and more likely to: stand their ground, approach, or — in extreme cases if they feel threatened — growl or nip. Research suggests most coyotes involved in conflict were likely fed by people.
Q When / why do coyotes howl, alone or in a pack?
A Coyotes howl to communicate with one another — to call their family back together or to celebrate reuniting. It is a myth that coyotes howl to celebrate a kill. Coyotes generally hunt alone and have much more to discuss with each other than their kills.
Q I once heard a coyote crying out for hours, perhaps trapped or injured. What to do?
A If you are concerned that a coyote has been injured, please contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at 503-947-6000.
Q Tell us about the Project and getting involved.
A The Portland Urban Coyote Project has two main goals: to study human-coyote interactions, and to spread accurate information about living with coyotes. You can help by reporting your sightings at portlandcoyote.com and by sharing our message with your friends and community. Digital, printable educational materials are also on the website.
In short, we want everyone to know that coyotes live here and generally don’t cause any issues. Be sure to never feed coyotes, scare away bold ones, and supervise your pets.