Wile E. Coyote on "Trail E" around 5:20 am. Photo by Rocky Lam
Coyotes are smart, adaptable canines that have learned to live
comfortably alongside people in residential neighborhoods. Wildlife
experts agree that people have played a part in this phenomenon by
being careless with food and garbage.
Coyotes play an important role in the ecosystem, helping to keep
rodent populations under control. They are, by nature, fearful of
humans.
However, if coyotes are given access to human food and garbage,
their behavior changes. They lose caution and fear. They may begin
to harass domestic livestock and pets. They might threaten human
safety. They might be killed.
Relocating a problem coyote is not an option because it only moves
the problem to another neighborhood.
Coyote country precautions
• Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes. The result may be
deadly conflicts with pets or livestock, or serious injuries to
small children.
• Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
• Trim ground-level shrubbery to reduce hiding places.
• Be aware that coyotes are more active in the spring, when
feeding and protecting their young.
• If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw
rocks in the animal's direction.
• If a coyote attacks a person, immediately contact the nearest
Department of Fish and Wildlife or law enforcement office.
• Stash your food and trash. Allowing coyotes access to human
food and garbage is reckless and deadly. Coyotes primarily
hunt rodents and rabbits for food but will take advantage
of whatever is available including garbage, pet food, and
domestic animals.
• Put garbage in tightly closed containers that cannot be tipped
over.
• Remove sources of water, especially in dry climates.
• Bring pets in at night, and do not leave pet food outside.
• Avoid using bird feeders as they attract rodents and other
coyote prey.
• Provide secure enclosures for rabbits, poultry and other
livestock.
• Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles.
Ask your neighbors to follow these tips. Please respect and protect
wild animals. ~ From https://wildlife.ca.gov/Keep-Me-Wild/Coyote
FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | AUGUST 2021 17
Coyotes in
Four Seasons:
Protect yourself
and your pets
