Coyote
Coyotes are a highly adaptable species found throughout North and Central America. The word “coyote” is derived from the Aztec language and means “trickster.” Coyotes were once persecuted throughout their range, but their population has gradually increased. Coyotes like open spaces and edge habitat, as people have cut down forests and modified the landscape, coyotes have expanded their range and adapted to living in urban and rural communities.
Coyotes prey primarily on rodents and rabbits, but also eats insects, wild fruits and berries, carrion and larger game like deer. In the wild, coyotes are active at night and often hunt in pairs. Some individuals are nomadic while others defend territories particularly if there is a den.
This highly adaptive species also preys on domestic animals such as chickens, sheep, goats, cats and dogs. Coyote scat around agricultural areas will show the remains of grapes, cherries and other fruits scavenged from farms and vineyards. As with other members of the canine family, they have an excellent sense of smell, and can be attracted to garbage, pet and livestock feed. Once enticed to areas where humans live, coyotes often lose their fear of people and hunt around homes and farms during the day.
Finding coyote scat is often the first sign that this creature is checking out your property at night. The scat is smaller than dog faeces and often contains hair from mice and voles. If coyotes are feeding on fruit crops, either deer fencing or electrified fencing can be effective as long as a skirt of fencing material is buried underground, Coyotes, like bears and dogs are good diggers so the fence must be constructed and electrified appropriately.
Make sure wildlife gates are closed so that they are not trapped inside fencing where they will do more damage trying to get out.
Coyote management is similar to bear management so controlling attractants is the second line of management. Keep garbage and waste in wildlife proof bins, and if it smells, keep it inside a building. Bring domestic pets in at night and make sure chicken coops are secure. Remember that the smell of vulnerable livestock, garbage and fruit compost can be detected from two kilometres away and provides a strong incentive for a nightly visit.
Most coyotes are a benefit to agriculture, more interested in catching mice and marmots, with the occasional stop for a bite of fruit. If a coyote is habituated to your property consider creating a “Wildlife Conflict Management Plan” including: an onsite evaluation assessing past and current operations identifying potential conflicts and safety concerns, a mitigation plan, and implement and worker education to reducing conflict and loss.
Onsite evaluations and/or forms can be accessed by agricultural operators by contacting Zoe Kirk, Bear Aware and WildSafe BC Coordinator at Regional District Okanagan Similkameen. zkirk@rdos.bc.ca, 250-492-0237 ext. 4110