IT MAY BE ADVISABLE TO MEET WITH YOUR ASSOCIATION TO REASSESS TOGETHER THE RULES (REGUARDING FENCE TYPE AND HEIGHT, CHAIN-LINK DOG RUNS, ETC.) IN ORDER TO DEAL WITH THE NEW CHALLENGES IN AREAS WHERE COYOTE INTRUSION EVOLVING INTO CHRONIC PROBLEM.MANY HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATIONS (AND THEIR ARCHITECHUAL REVIEW BOARDS) CURRENTLY MAY NOT PERMIT SOME OF THE IDEAS PUT FORTH HERE. CHECK WITH YOUR ASSOCIATION'S BOARD FIRST!
IT MAY BE ADVISABLE TO MEET WITH YOUR ASSOCIATION TO REASSESS TOGETHER THE RULES (REGUARDING FENCE TYPE AND HEIGHT, CHAIN-LINK DOG RUNS, ETC.) IN ORDER TO DEAL WITH THE NEW CHALLENGES IN AREAS WHERE COYOTE INTRUSION EVOLVING INTO CHRONIC PROBLEM.
Housing tracts and recreations areas that have cut deep into hillsides and canyons have sent other wildlife into retreat, but the coyote has stood his ground. Truly nature's "success story", the coyote has turned what has been a disaster for other species into a way of survival for its kind. The coyote has increased its range since 1920 and its presence is known in every state except Hawaii, as far north as Canada and as far south as Costa Rica.
The animal Mark Twain called "the most friendless of God's creatures" is also one of the most adaptable. He is a supreme opportunist - willing to take a meal wherever and whenever one is available. The coyote can survive on a diet that can vary from rodents to rubbish, from insects to fruit and from domestic cats to carrion. Because of the interesting menu available in the form of handouts, pet food, easy-to-open garbage containers and loose, unattended companion animals, he is flourishing in densely populated areas.
This native canine combines the look of a medium-sized (25-40 lb.) shepherd-mix dog with that of an oversized fox. Its characteristic "field marks" are an elongated snout and bushy, black-tipped tail which is carried straight out as it moves. During the night the coyote's high pitched yodel can frequently be heard - especially following the sound of sirens from passing emergency vehicles.
Considered to be an "intermediate" on the scale of social interaction with others of its kind (the wolf - highly social and the fox - solitary), young coyotes retain their primary social contact with mother and siblings only until the age of approximately one year old, at which point they seek their own territory - up to 90 miles away from their birthplace. Large "packs" (other than parents and preyearling pups) are not characteristic. Coyotes usually mate for life or can be content to be nomadic. Sexual maturity occurs in the second year of life and females come into season annually thereafter. The average litter is between 5-7 pups - in extreme cases, as many as ten. This variation seems to correspond to depletion of population. No exact lifespan has been determined for wild coyotes, however they have lived 15+ years in captivity.
Coyotes categorize cats as they do brush rabbits (AS PREY), being about the same general size and reacting in much the same manner. Conflicts with dogs, however, often begin as a territorial "canine-to-canine" dispute. Even the smallest dog can consider himself a giant when it comes to defending what he considers his "turf". If a small domestic dog or pup is killed as the result of such a confrontation, it may then be consumed or left intact depending upon the hunger factor of the coyote.
Although customarily more active at night, it is not uncommon to observe coyotes playing or hunting during daylight hours. Much like their domestic canine counterparts, the coyote often finds man and his habits a source of entertainment, such as the mother coyote who brought her pups to watch a woman hang her laundry out on a daily basis. Equestrians and joggers frequently report that one or two coyotes will wait for them at what seems like an "appointed" spot along their route and accompany them at a respectful distance only to eventually peel off and disappear until the ritual is repeated the next day.
Because the coyote has become a familiar silhouette in urban as will as rural areas, it is imperative that animal owners take whatever preventive steps may be necessary to protect companion animals and small livestock.
WHEN TAKING DOGS ON WALKS, OR WHEN SUPERVISING THEM OFF-LEASE ON YOUR PROPERTY, HAVE WITH YOU A -6 FT. WALKING STICK (WOOD OR PVC), AND A SMALL HAND-HELD MARINE AIR SIGNAL HORN (THEY ARE VERY LOUD!) TO REPEL OR SCARE OFF ANY COYOTES THAT MAY APPROACH.
DO feed pets indoors or promptly remove dishes when pets complete their meals outdoors. store all pet food indoors.
DO clear brush and dense weeds from around property. This deprives rodents of shelter and reduces protective cover for coyotes.
DO use trash barrels equipped with tight clamping devices on the lids, which will prevent spills should they be tipped over by large animals
DON'T feed or provide water for coyotes or other wildlife. This practice can abnormally attract coyotes and promotes increased numbers of rodents, birds, snakes and other animals that can provide major portions of a coyote's natural diet.
DON'T put trash cans out the night before schedules pick-up. Put them out in the morning. This will give the coyotes less time to scavenge and he won't have the cover of darkness.
DON'T use plastic bags as garbage containers. Coyotes can readily rip them open and scatter the contents.