Coyotes

Coyotes in the Northwest

There is a large population of coyotes in the Pacific Northwest where we live. One or two packs reside in the woods out in the back of our property.  According to the neighbors who have lived here forever, those packs have  also always lived here and for many years enjoyed a great expanse of forest. But when the  expanded their fields -cutting down the trees - the packs' living quarters got a whole lot smaller. So, they live a lot closer to us now and are often seen walking along the edge of the forest.

Our experience with them in the past had not been good as we have lost a few cats to them. Now, years later, we have learned to train our cats to come in in the evening and they don't go out until after dawn. I am sure many pet owners keep their animals in totally for this reason, but we have been successful with our training. And, fortunately, our property is entirely fenced.

The pack travels from area to area around our island.  There doesn't seem to be any seasonal

timing to it though.  We know when they are around because of their loud yipping and howling. Usually at night.   And they get especially raucous if an ambulance siren or other high pitch sound goes off. Coyotes are very vocal, they will bark, growl, yips, whine and howl and also with a variation of its sounds. A long howl will let other members of the pack know where it is, and they use short barks to warn of danger. The have a social yipping sound, a growl to express dominance, and whining and high pitched barks in family situations.

They usually hunt at night, and although they live in packs are often seen hunting alone.  In the fall and winter they do form packs for hunting.  They are primarily carnivorous with a diet made up of mammals, birds and snakes. In our area they will attack cats and small dogs, rabbits and field mice. In the fall they will also eat fruits, vegetables and berries.

When they hunt larger prey like deer, the coyotes hunt in packs. A few of them will chase the deer and then the rest will follow, working together they can tire the deer out.  They have become common predators in urban areas hunting small dogs and cats. In rural areas farmers regard them as destructive pests, as they go after young animals, lambs, and fowl.

If there are coyotes in your area, don't feed them. Keep trash containers and compost areas closed. Livestock areas should be fenced, be aware that coyotes will dig under if necessary.

Coyotes make their homes in rocky areas, logs, caves or the dens of other animals. They usually don't build their own den.  They are  brownish gray to yellow gray with large triangular ears. They have a long dark muzzle and yellow eyes. Smaller than a wolf, it can be identified from a wolf when it runs. A coyote runs with it's tail down, a wolf with it's tails straight out and dogs with their tails up. They can run up to 40 miles an hour.

Rural coyotes are shy and will avoid humans. Urban coyotes may become bolder than usual. If they enter your yard and look unafraid, you may attempt to deter them with loud noises or hose spray.  But if they persist it is necessary to call control officers.  Be aware that coyotes are wild animals and should not be approached to feed or pet them.