Coyote Management & Control
Humane solutions for coyote conflicts in urban and suburban areas
About Coyotes
Coyotes (Canis latrans) are highly adaptable canids that have successfully expanded their range throughout North America, including urban and suburban environments. These intelligent predators have become increasingly common in residential areas, leading to potential conflicts with humans and pets.
Size & Appearance
Medium-sized canids weighing 20-45 pounds with pointed ears, a narrow muzzle, and a bushy, downward-hanging tail. Coloration varies from grayish-brown to reddish-brown with lighter underparts.
Behavior
Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk), though may be seen during daylight. Coyotes are highly intelligent with complex social structures, typically living in family groups.
Diet
Opportunistic omnivores that primarily eat small mammals (rodents, rabbits), but also consume fruits, vegetation, insects, birds, carrion, and human food waste in urban environments.
Territory
Highly territorial, with home ranges varying from 2-30 square miles depending on habitat, food availability, and population density. Urban coyotes typically have smaller territories than rural ones.
Coyote Conflict Concerns
Pet Safety
- Potential predation risk to small dogs and outdoor cats
- Competitive interactions with larger dogs, especially during breeding season
- Attraction to pet food left outdoors
- Stress and anxiety for pet owners in areas with coyote activity
Human Safety Concerns
- Bold or habituated coyotes showing reduced fear of humans
- Coyotes frequenting areas used by children, such as yards and playgrounds
- Rare but concerning aggressive behavior, particularly from animals habituated to human food
- Potential disease transmission (though rare) including rabies and parasites
Property & Livestock Issues
- Predation on small livestock like chickens, rabbits, and young goats
- Damage to gardens and fruit crops
- Digging and denning activities in yards or under structures
- Scattered garbage from raiding unsecured trash containers
Our Coyote Management Approach
We use effective, humane conflict resolution strategies based on scientific understanding of coyote behavior and ecology.
Assessment & Monitoring
We provide thorough evaluation of coyote activity and conflict potential:
- Property inspection for coyote activity and attractants
- Documentation of coyote behavior patterns and potential conflict areas
- Risk assessment for pets and livestock
Habitat Modification
We help implement changes that reduce coyote attractants and conflicts:
- Removal of food attractants and securing of trash containers
- Recommendations for landscape modifications to reduce cover and denning opportunities
- Installation of coyote deterrents and exclusion barriers
Education & Hazing
We provide tools and techniques to safely deter coyotes and maintain their natural wariness of humans:
- Training in effective hazing techniques for problem coyotes
- Educational materials about coyote behavior and conflict prevention
- Guidance on pet and livestock protection strategies
Important Note: Coyote management differs from our other wildlife services. Rather than physical removal (which is often ineffective for coyotes due to their territorial behavior), we focus on assessment, habitat modification, and educational approaches that have proven more effective for long-term coyote conflict resolution.
Protecting Pets & Property from Coyotes
Our specialists will help you implement these effective protective measures:
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Pet Protection
Implementing secure outdoor pet areas with coyote-proof fencing, including roller bars and buried wire aprons. We provide guidance on pet supervision and nighttime safety protocols.
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Livestock Security
Design and installation of predator-resistant enclosures for chickens, rabbits, and other small livestock, incorporating proper fencing, covered tops, and buried barriers.
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Deterrent Systems
Strategic placement of motion-activated deterrents such as lights, sprinklers, and sound devices that help prevent coyotes from becoming comfortable on your property.
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Attractant Management
Implementation of food management protocols including secure garbage storage, pet food management, and fruit/garden protection to reduce the factors that attract coyotes to your property.
Coyote Management FAQs
Coyote attacks on humans are extremely rare. Most coyotes naturally avoid people. However, coyotes that become habituated to humans, often due to direct or indirect feeding, may become bolder and lose their natural wariness. Our management approach focuses on maintaining healthy boundaries between coyotes and people through education and habitat modification.
Trapping and relocating coyotes is generally ineffective and often counterproductive. Research shows that removing coyotes typically leads to increased reproduction in remaining coyotes and rapid recolonization of the area. Additionally, many states prohibit relocating coyotes due to disease concerns. Our focus is on behavior modification and habitat management, which provides more sustainable and effective results.
If you encounter a coyote, maintain your distance and make yourself appear large and threatening. Make loud noises, wave your arms, throw small objects (not directly at the coyote), and generally make yourself intimidating. Never run away, as this may trigger a chase response. Always keep pets close to you during an encounter and pick up small pets if possible.
The most effective way to protect pets is to supervise them outdoors, especially at dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours when coyotes are most active. Keep cats indoors and dogs on leashes when in areas known to have coyote activity. For your yard, we can help you install proper coyote-resistant fencing with roller bars and buried barriers to prevent access. Never leave pet food outside, as this attracts coyotes.
Concerned About Coyote Activity?
Our wildlife experts are ready to help you develop effective, humane solutions for coyote conflicts.
Contact Us Today