Keeping your cats indoors, especially at Dawn and Dusk and in the evenings is a common and useful strategy as coyotes are known to congregate in groups of 4-5 at those times whereas in the day they are seen usually in ones or two's at best, depending on the neighborhood.
Also, as long as cats are not too old, not overweight and not injured they
tend to be pretty good at eluding coyotes as they can climb tree's and get
under cars, bushes and fences whereas coyotes can't or are hindered in do
so effectively.
Coyote studies and monitoring efforts have shown that rodents make up an
average of 75% of a coyotes diet. This is certainly more accurate figure
in the winter months when their menu selection is reduced due to the lack
of berries and the such.
Written below is a standard coyote response I give to those that experience conflict with coyotes and will add further detail on what other action one can take to effectively co-exist with coyotes.
I hope this helps.
Thank you for contacting us regarding your coyote encounter. I have
logged your sighting, and attached some additional information for your
reference. Your sighting helps us monitor the whereabouts and behavior of
coyotes and we also contact local schools and offer them our Coyote 101
Presentation.
Please visit our website at:
www.stanleyparkecology.ca and click on the
Co-existing with Coyotes link on the left hand panel. Here is some general information I like to pass on to those that have encountered coyotes:
Coyotes are opportunists and always looking and learning- it's a major factor in their success. They will check things out and if they see a weakness or other interesting thing, they may press further. Is this new thing? Food? A source of danger? Should I care? They're very curious animals.
Coyotes have adapted to urban areas due to the abundance of green spaces
combined with rodent population and garbage supplies that accompany any
dense human populations. It is important to maintain the boundary between
coyotes and people. It is when coyotes and other urban wildlife become too
comfortable around humans and our environments that the possibility for
conflict can occur. We therefore ask people to deter coyotes that are showing signs of being habituated.
Deterring coyotes:
Remember: It is not normal for coyotes to attack or pursue humans. Children and adults should never run from a coyote. A coyote will not
retaliate, unless it is cornered or feels trapped.
All Coyotes (including pups, immature, sick and injured coyotes) should be
met with displays of aggressive behavior which includes:
. Shouting in as loud and deep a voice as possible "Go away coyote".
. Throwing of stones, tennis balls, the coyote shaker or any available objects in its direction
. Aggressive shaking of umbrellas, hockey sticks, brooms, etc.
The above-mentioned points have all proven to be effective by: A) showing
coyotes that they have been noticed and not ignored, therefore creating a
boundary, and B) frightening coyotes off properties or ending encounters.
Attractants:
Urban coyotes are attracted to backyards by accessible garbage and compost, neglected sheds and properties (rat habitat), fallen tree fruit and vegetables, bird feed from feeders and outdoor pet food.
It is important that the whole community takes part in becoming aware of
the deterrents and attractants listed above. However, just as important is
taking action both as a household and a community. Working together will
reduce the number of overall sightings and encounters with coyotes in your
area and therefore reduce the chances of conflict.
People are often unknowingly in close contact with coyotes each day, and
in general are serving as 'ghosts of the city'. Coyotes are watching and
learning from us; we influence their behavior, and it will be our actions
that determine what the future holds for our neighborhoods.
Living with coyotes around is like living with any other neighbors- hardly
a reason to panic but at the same time take reasonable precautions and
stay alert to what goes on around you. If you have a bad feeling, pay
attention to it but don't overreact either. Discourage predators from
finding food around your house and always ensure your small pets are
supervised when at all possible.
The website will outline in more detail the issues regarding coyotes. The
following is a link to informative coyote video's that you can view on our
website at:
www.stanleyparkecology.ca/programs/conservation/urbanWildlife/coyotes/video.php
We appreciate your support and welcome your contacting us again about any coyote related information you may come across in the future. We also
enjoy getting feedback on what has been successful for you and your
neighborhood so we can relay it to other communities.
Lastly, one can also assist us in spreading the news about coyotes in the
urban environment by posting up our brochure (that can be printed from our website) in local coffee shops and community notice boards. The more
people act, the fewer sightings will occur which results in less of a chance of possible conflicts with coyotes. I hope that all the above-mentioned points and the website answer many of your questions and helps you better understand how to co-exist with coyotes. I have attached a 'coyote shaker' blue print and our poster - please pass them on to anyone in your neighborhood who may be interested!
Please contact me should you have any questions.
Regards,
Phil Dubrulle
Co-Existing with Coyotes Program Coordinator
Stanley Park Ecology Society
P: 604-681-9453
F: 604-257-8378
Visit our website at
www.stanleyparkecology.ca to view recent video of
Lower Mainland coyote encounters.
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