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COYOTES

AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR

  • Contact the Ministry Call Centre (1-800-663-9453).

CHILDREN AND COYOTES

  • It is not normal for coyotes to attack or pursue humans, especially adults.  Problems between children and coyotes are usually the result of the coyote becoming conditioned/comfortable with people as a result of direct or indirect feeding.
  • Children shouldn't be left unsupervised if a coyote is in area.
  • Parents should pick up small children and carry them.
  • If a coyote has acted aggressively or displayed aggressive behaviour towards a human, refer to the Ministry Call Centre (1-800-663-9453).
  • It is an offence under section 33.1(1) of the Wildlife Act to feed dangerous wildlife.  Report via 1-800-663-9453 anyone that is feeding or intentionally attracting dangerous wildlife.

COMPOST

  • Coyotes aren't as agile or strong as bears.  Ensure that the compost bin is securely built and has a lockable lid.  This should prevent the coyote from gaining access to the compost bin.
  • Remove any meat, meat by-products, fish, and cooked fruit and vegetables from compost.
  • Sprinkle lime in the compost.  The lime will aid the composting process and help to reduce the odour.
  • Covering the compost with a light cover of dirt or soil or a heavy cover of grass clippings will also assist with odours.
  • If the problem persists the compost bin may have to be removed.

COYOTE SIGHTINGS - General Information

  • Wild coyotes are naturally curious animals, however they are timid and will usually run away if challenged.  Coyotes start posing a risk to people when they lose their timidness and become comfortable around humans - this is usually a result of direct or indirect feeding by humans.
  • It is an offence to feed dangerous wildlife under the Provincial Wildlife Act.
  • If concerned about a coyote encounter or about encountering aggressive coyotes, keep a deterrent handy.
  • Deterrents could include: rocks, sticks, banging pots and pans, tin cans filled will rocks or pepper spray (may not be an option in an urban setting).
  • If a coyote approaches a person, make yourself look as large as possible - if sitting, stand for example.
  • Wave your arms and throw objects at the coyote.  Use a deterrent.
  • Shout at the coyote in a loud aggressive voice.
  • If the coyote continues to approach don't run or turn your back on the coyote.  Continue to exaggerate the above gestures and slowly move to safety.
  • If a coyote exhibits aggressive behaviour call the Ministry Call Centre (1-800-663-9453).
  • All of the above information is available through the website addresses and informational pamphlets.

COYOTE SIGHTINGS - Urban

  • People in residential neighbourhoods must work together to ensure that coyotes don't feel comfortable living in their neighbourhood.  Coyotes that are rewarded through direct or indirect feeding will loose their fear of humans and begin to see humans, their yards and their pets as food sources.
  • A coyote that is comfortable in one person's yard is going to feel comfortable in everyone's yard.  Become proactive in the neighbourhood and community by helping to educate residents about coyotes.
  • Even within cities, adequate food supplies exist to support populations of coyotes.  Coyotes are highly adaptable and will feed on: small mammals (mice, voles. rats, squirrels and rabbits), birds (ducks and geese), raccoons, fish, insects or any other available item.
  • Coyotes can be discouraged from hanging around homes by scaring them off each time they are seen and by removing attractants.
  • Ensure that garbage and compost is inaccessible, that outdoor pet food is securely stored, fruit is picked from trees and off of the ground and remove/keep clean any rodent habitat (neglected yards, garages or sheds).
  • A sturdy fence that is at least 2 metres high will discourage coyotes from entering yards.  The fence must be dug into the ground or a least flush to the ground to prevent coyotes from going under it.
  • All of the above information is available through the website addresses and informational pamphlets.

FENCING - Electric and Non-Electric

  • Fencing out predators over large area can be very difficult.  Most predators will easily cross over or under conventional livestock fences.  A predator's response to a fence will be influenced by a number of factors including its experience with fences and its motivation for crossing the fence.  Some predators learn to dig deeper or climb higher to defeat a fence.  Recent improvements in equipment and design have made fencing more effective and economical.
  • There are two categories of fencing, electric and non-electric fencing.

    Non-Electric Fence

    • Net-wire fencing in good repair will for example deter coyotes.  Openings in the mesh should be less than 6 inches high and 4 inches wide.
    • High tensile barbed wire at ground level or a buried wire apron will discourage predators from digging under fences
    • Fences should be at least 5 1/2 feet high to hinder animals jumping over them.
    • Preventing predators from climbing over top of the fence can be prevented by adding a single electrified wire at the top of the fence or by installing overhanging wire.

     Electric Fence

    • New energizers, chargers and fence designs from Australia and New Zealand have recently revolutionized electrical fencing in North America.  Many different designs including one for portable electric fences are available.
    • Designs incorporate charged and alternately charged wire, with trip wires and ground wires.
    • The latest designs have every wire charged
    • The USDA found in an experiment that a 13-strand electric fence provides complete protection to sheep from coyote predation.
    • Labour to keep electrical fencing functional can be significant. Wire tension must be maintained; vegetation under the fence must be removed to prevent grounding and damage from feeding livestock and wildlife, and the charger must be checked to ensure proper operation.
    • Electric fences can trap predators inside the fence.
    • Traps and snares can be set along fence lines to increase predator defences.
    • Fencing alone wouldn't necessarily eliminate predator problems, but when used in combination with other predator control methods such as trapping and shooting it can be highly effective.  Sound husbandry practices must be maintained.
  • Also see Livestock Husbandry, Guarding Dogs and Predator Control and Prevention.

FRUIT TREES

  • Pick the fruit as it ripens.  Ripe fruit has a high caloric value and is a highly sought after food source by bears as well as coyotes.
  • Fruit can be picked before it ripens.  The un-ripened fruit can then be stored indoors while it ripens.
  • Let friends or neighbours pick the fruit.
  • Determine if the fruit trees are necessary or if they are still wanted.  If they aren’t, have the trees cut down.
  • Install electrical fencing to protect fruit trees.
  • The more a coyote is fed, the more it will become comfortable with living in an urban environment.

GUARDING ANIMALS

  • A growing number of livestock producers are using guarding animals as part of their predation management plan - widespread use with sheep farmers.
  • Examples of guarding animals include: dogs, donkeys, cattle, llamas, goats and mules.  A good guard animal stays with the herd without harming them and aggressively repels predators.
  • Livestock guard dogs are the most common.  There are several Eurasian breeds.  For example: Great Pyrenees, Komondor, Anatolian Shepherd and Akbash Dogs.
  • Donkeys are becoming more popular in the United States for protecting livestock from coyotes.  Donkeys are generally docile towards humans but inherently dislike canids.  Donkeys will either bray, run at the canine or kick and bite at it.
  • Llamas like donkeys also have an inherent dislike for canines and a growing number of livestock producers are using llamas to protect sheep.
  • The use of guard animals is no substitute for poor animal husbandry practices.

LIVESTOCK HARASSMENT

  • Coyotes that are harassing or menacing domestic animals (livestock) or birds can be hunted or trapped on a person's property under Section 26(2) of the Wildlife Act.
  • Under Section 2 (Property in Wildlife) - section 2(4) states that a person who by accident or for protection of life or property kills wildlife, that wildlife remains the property of the government.
  • Persons must report the killing or wounding of any wildlife.  Failing to report the killing or wounding of any wildlife whether it is for protection of life or property is an offence under section 75 of the Wildlife Act.
  • Persons must comply with all Municipal, Provincial and Federal laws surrounding the use and discharge of firearms or the setting of traps.
  • Persons are liable for any wildlife that is wounded or injured as a result of them exercising their rights under section 26(2) and that they are legally responsible for any misuse of firearms.
  • If there is a hunting season open for coyotes at the time and in the location of the occurrence, hunters from their local Rod and Gun Club may be able to assist.
  • Scare devices and or electric fencing may also be an option to try and help protect livestock from coyote attacks
  • Local feed stores may carry these products.
  • Livestock and poultry should be kept locked inside a barn or coop at night if a coyote is in the area.
  • Also see Livestock Husbandry and Predator Control and Prevention.
  • Local Agricultural Representatives can also be of help to farmers and livestock producers.  See the Government Blue Pages for availability.
  • If livestock is killed or injured call the Ministry Call Centre (1-800-663-9453).

LIVESTOCK HUSBANDRY

  • Livestock management and predator management can effectively reduce livestock losses.  Listed below are husbandry techniques that can help reduce livestock predation.
  • Livestock confinement (not allowing livestock out onto a pasture) may prevent predation - this however is not a feasible option for most farmers.  Penning livestock at night is another option to help reduce predation
  • Adding lighting to a pen or corral will also help to deter predators - livestock will quickly adapt to the lighting.
  • Spring livestock birthing coincides with predator birthing and can result in high levels of predation in the spring and earlier summer because predators are trying to feed their young.
  • Having livestock born inside barns or sheds will usually prevent predation and will also reduce newborn deaths that result from inclement weather.
  • Altering livestock birthing times until later in the spring or summer can reduce predation.
  • Farmers and ranchers should avoid using pastures that have had a history of predation.
  • Pastures that are closer to buildings and human activity can be safer for young livestock.
  • Pastures with rough terrain or with dense vegetation bordering them offer cover for predators.
  • Farmers and ranchers should be checking on the status and condition of their livestock regularly in order to ensure that predator problems are identified quickly.
  • Regularly counting livestock is important in large pastures or areas with heavy cover where dead livestock could remain unnoticed.  It is not unusual for livestock producers that don't regularly count their herd to suffer substantial losses before they identify that they have a predator problem.
  • Sick, injured or old livestock should be removed from the herd as predators may key in on these animals.  Once a predator identifies livestock as easy prey it will likely continue to kill even healthy animals.
  • Livestock owners should keep records and identify each animal through tagging or branding to make it easier to identify losses.
  • Keep a journal of predator problems.  Over time this journal can be used to show areas or time periods in which predator problems peek.  Preventative measures can then be taken.
  • Remove livestock and poultry carcasses by burying, incinerating or rendering to reduce attractants.
  • Refer to Fencing, Guarding Animals, Livestock Harassment and Predator Control and Prevention.

PETS - Keeping Pets Safe

  • If you own a cat: the only way to guarantee a cat's safety is to make it an indoor pet.
  • Removing attractants will reduce the probability that a coyote will visit or hang around residential properties.
  • An outdoor-enclosed cat run is also an option.
  • If you own a small dog: if there are coyotes in the neighbourhood:
  • Keep the dog inside the home unless you can supervise it when it is outside.
  • Keep the dog on a short leash.  Avoid extension leashes.
  • Supervise the dog when it is off-leash.
  • Walk the dog at times and in a place with high pedestrian traffic.
  • Avoid walking by abandoned or neglected properties and bushy areas.
  • Keep the dog in front while walking.
  • Walk the dog with a group of friends.
  • If you own a large dog: coyotes pose very little risk to large dogs.
  • Don't allow your dog to play or interact with coyotes.  This will allow coyotes to become comfortable around humans and their pets.

PETS - Injured or Killed

  • Report to Ministry Call Centre (1-800-663-9453).
  • If a coyote has acted aggressively or displayed aggressive behaviour towards a human Report to Ministry Call Centre (1-800-663-9453).

PREDATOR CONTROL and PREVENTION

  • Farmers and ranchers can use existing hunting and trapping seasons to control predators.
  • Farmers and ranchers must ensure that they comply with all Federal, Provincial and Municipal regulations surrounding hunting, trapping and the discharge of firearms in their area.
  • Predation losses can be reduced/minimized by practicing good animal husbandry.  See Livestock Husbandry.

REPELLENTS and SCARE DEVICES

  • The use of repellents and scare devices is based on the idea that predators are repelled by new or strange odours, sights or sounds.
  • Predators can adapt quite quickly to scare devices so regularly altering how they are deployed is important.
  • Combining different types of scare devices seems to work better than just using one.
  • Repellents and scare devices include:
  • Propane cannons, horns, sirens and radios with sound amplifiers.
  • Presently there aren't any odour or taste repellents that have shown significant effectiveness in reducing coyote attacks.
  • Some scare devices may be prohibited by local bylaws.  Contact the local bylaw department before using such products.

REFERENCES

HOME PAGES

  1. Stanley Park Ecology Society.  Coexisting With Coyotes.
    http://www.stanleyparkecology.ca/programs/urbanWildlife/coyotes/

  2. Department of Natural Resources and Energy - Fish and Wildlife Branch.  Province of New Brunswick.  Nuisance Wildlife.
    http://www.gnb.ca/0078/fw/nw/animalpests.asp

  3. Alberta Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management - Fish and Wildlife Branch.
    http://www3.gov.ab.ca/srd/fw/

  4. United States Department of Agriculture.
    http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ws/

  5. The Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management
    http://wildlifedamage.unl.edu/

  6. Margo Supplies Ltd.  Problem Wildlife Control Products.
    http://www.margosupplies.com/

ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS

  1. A Producers Guide to Preventing Predation on Livestock.
    United States Department of Agriculture.  Wildlife Services Electronic Brochures.
    http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ws/pubs.html

  2. Livestock Guarding Dogs - The Electronic Guard: A Tool in Predation Control
    United States Department of Agriculture.  Wildlife Services Fact Sheets.
    http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ws/factsheets.html

BOOKS and RESOURCE MATERIALS

  1. Prevention and Control of Coyote Predation. Alberta Agriculture Publishing Branch. 7000-113 Street, Edmonton Alberta T6H 5T6.

  2. CO-Existing With Coyotes.  Stanley Park Ecology Society in Partnership with the Ministry of Environment.  Pamphlet.

  3. Fencing With Electricity by Brian Kennedy.  Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Publishing Branch.  7000-113 Street, Edmonton Alberta T6H 5T6.  1995.

  4. BC Agricultural Fencing Handbook.  Government Publications Services.  PO Box 9455 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, BC V8W 9V7.  Phone: 1-800-282-7955.
    http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/resmgmt/publist/300series/307000%2D1.pdf