COYOTE CONCERNS ARE ON THE INCREASE

by Whit Gibbons

June 30, 2003

As coyotes are becoming more common in many parts of the eastern United States, questions about them are becoming more frequent. Strong attitudes can also be expected any time another species begins to affect human property, health, or other aspects of our lives. The following are among recent queries I have received about coyotes.

Q. We live in the "country" and at night can hear the coyotes howling (especially if there is a full moon). I've heard this is called ululation, and supposedly they do this only when they're killing or mating. We have a dog and she can hear them before we do. Are they dangerous? Should we be concerned when the grandchildren come visit? Any information would be appreciated.

A. Ululation means howling or wailing, which indeed is what coyotes do. I'm not aware that howling is restricted to certain activities; more likely, coyote howling is a territorial statement or a response to another coyote or other animal. Or maybe some do it simply because ululation is fun.

A dog has much keener hearing than do humans and can also hear frequencies we cannot. So the dog's being aware of coyote howling before you is understandable. Dogs also have a remarkably keen sense of smell and may become aware of a coyote in the neighborhood through olfactory cues before any noises are made.

Coyotes will attack cats and even dogs on occasion, but I am unaware of one attacking a human, although I suppose the exceptional case may be out there somewhere, possibly with rabid animals. The coyotes I have encountered have seemed greatly intimidated by or at least shy around adult humans. I have two young grandchildren and would not be at all concerned about coyotes as long as a grownup were nearby. Of course I wouldn't leave the children unattended even if no coyotes were around.

Q. You once stated in a wildlife column, "Why would someone want to catch a coyote?" Well, let me give you one reason--to eliminate it. Last winter, my dog (who was like a son to me) was taken out of his own backyard by a coyote. The only evidence left behind was a teaspoonful of blood on the leaves next to the fence. For two days, my remaining dog kept going to this location, and I finally figured out what had happened. I replaced the lost dog with another, and two weeks later, that coyote attacked him right in my backyard while I was STANDING THERE. I screamed, startled the coyote, and saved the dog. Although his tail was bleeding a little he otherwise is okay. I confirmed that the perpetrator was a coyote when I saw him waiting in the shadows on my deck. He has to be eliminated. My dogs are not safe in their own yard. I am in the process of increasing all the fence heights, but this individual killer needs to be eliminated.

A. You certainly have a valid concern, and the following answer from a previous column may be useful.

Q. What is the best way to catch a coyote so that it can be removed from a suburban area?

A. Not knowing the answer myself, I turned to an expert, Dr. Julie Weston, who studies large mammals: "My initial response is give it up and leave it to a professional. Do not put your health and safety at risk dealing with a coyote except in an emergency.

"Shooting coyotes does not require a permit in some states, but in a suburban area, discharging firearms may be illegal in itself. Trapping usually requires a permit, as other animals are likely to be trapped as well. An inexperienced trapper will capture many raccoons, opossums, and maybe a fox or two before the first coyote. Your most likely capture in many suburban areas will be your neighbor's dog.

"Even for professionals, catching a coyote can take patience and be a major effort. For someone untrained in dealing with wildlife, the feat is not impossible but is definitely difficult and could be illegal."

Finding out what to do, or not do, about coyotes could become more and more important as their numbers increase in suburban America.



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