They’ll rid your yard of rodents, but untended pets too COYOTES

By Amy Reeher

Ohio certified naturalist

CANFIELD

If you were a fan of Saturday morning cartoons, you likely enjoyed the adventures of one Wile E. Coyote and his adversary, the Road Runner.

Most people identified with the clever bird instead of the long-suffering mammal.

The coyote (Canis latrans) in real life has had just as much of a public-relations struggle.

It has been revered by some cultures for its ability to adapt and thrive, and those same characteristics have been perceived as threats by many others.

Real coyotes, unlike Wile E. Coyote, usually can exploit any habitat to find food, water, shelter and space.

Coyotes in Ohio can be found in rural and urban settings and are a part of the ecosystem.

In determining how to coexist with wildlife, it is important to be able to identify the animal and understand any potential risks or benefits the animal poses.

Coyotes are sleek animals, usually grey or brown in color. Due to their size and coloring they can be mistaken for the domestic dog.

Coyotes, even though they resemble a medium-sized dog, are the largest of the three canids found in Ohio. The other two canids are the red fox and the gray fox.

Coyotes are smaller than wolves, although there are no wild wolves in Ohio. Wolves were eradicated from Ohio in 1855 along with bobcats and mountain lions.

Most Ohioans at that time did not support these animals due to the concerns of livestock predation.

Coyotes were originally a prairie animal that has extended its range eastward.

Coyotes are most active at dawn and dusk, a term referred to as crepuscular. Coyotes have been seen throughout the day as well.

Why should the backyard conservationist or gardener enjoy the presence of a coyote in the neighborhood? If you have been concerned about an increasing population of rodents, you will likely consider the coyote to be useful in their control.

Coyotes are omnivores so they eat both plants and animals. Mainstays of the coyote diet include small mammals, insects and fruits and berries.

Coyotes also will feed on items meant for pets or humans. If you do feed outdoor pets, please make sure to bring the bowls of food into the house, garage, shed or barn. Proper food storage can decrease the chance of a negative encounter for you or your pets.

Also be aware of other food-related attractants, including your own outdoor meal preparation. Do not leave food on the grill and make sure to clean the grill of any leftover juices or food.

Should you be concerned about coyotes in the area? Simply seeing a coyote is not usually a cause for concern. Coyotes are wild animals and treating them as such is key to successfully coexisting.

Coyotes do not make the distinction between the rabbit and mice that are typically in their diet and the small cats and dogs that are left unattended. To ensure that your pets are protected, do not leave cats and dogs outside, especially at night.

If you have followed these tips and come across a coyote too close for comfort, remember that even though coyotes are curious, they are generally fearful of humans. Clap your hands and shout to scare coyotes away from you or out of the yard.

If a coyote frequently gets too close to your area and seems to have no fear of you, this coyote might need professional help, aka, a nuisance trapper. Contact the Division of Wildlife at 1-800-WILDLIFE, OSU Extension or your local conservation district for a list of nuisance trappers in your area.

Coyotes that are nuisance animals in rural areas can be controlled through legal trapping and hunting. Consult the yearly Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet for additional information at www.wildohio.com.

If the animal in question is a stray dog, contact your local dog warden. For information on avoiding conflicts with coyotes, go to www.urbancoyoteresearch.com.