Coyotes In The Garden: A Guide To Living With Wildlife

As humans continue to encroach on natural habitats, we often find ourselves encountering wildlife in our own backyards. Coyotes, in particular, have adapted well to urban environments and can often be heard howling at night or seen skulking around our gardens. While they may seem like a nuisance or even a threat, it is important to remember that they are an integral part of our ecosystem. In this article, we will explore ways to coexist with coyotes in the garden.

Understanding Coyotes

Before we can learn how to live with coyotes, we must first understand them. Coyotes are members of the Canidae family and are closely related to wolves and domesticated dogs. They are intelligent and adaptable creatures with a wide range of vocalizations and behaviors. Coyotes are typically shy and elusive, but will become more bold and aggressive if they feel threatened or if food is scarce.

Coyotes are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, meaning they will eat just about anything they can find. Their diet includes small mammals like rabbits and rodents, as well as insects, fruit, and even carrion. When living in urban environments, coyotes may also raid garbage cans or pet food dishes for easy meals.

Preventing Conflict

The key to living with coyotes is to prevent conflicts before they occur. Coyotes are naturally wary of humans, but can become habituated to our presence if we provide them with food or other incentives. To prevent coyotes from becoming too comfortable in your yard, follow these tips:

• Never feed coyotes or leave out food for pets
• Keep trash cans securely closed and bring them inside the garage or shed if possible
• Remove any fallen fruit or berries from trees and bushes
• Consider installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers to deter coyotes (and other wildlife) from entering your yard

Protecting Pets and Livestock

Coyotes are not typically a threat to humans, but they can pose a danger to smaller animals like cats and small dogs. To protect your pets and livestock from coyote attacks, follow these guidelines:

• Keep cats indoors, especially at night when coyotes are most active
• Always supervise dogs when they are outside
• Install fencing around your yard to keep coyotes out
• If you keep chickens or other small livestock, make sure their enclosures are secure and inaccessible to coyotes

What To Do If You Encounter a Coyote

Despite our best efforts, it is still possible to encounter a coyote while out in the garden. If you do come face-to-face with one of these wild canines, remember to remain calm and follow these steps:

1. Do not turn your back on the coyote or run away
2. Stand tall and make yourself appear larger by waving your arms or holding an object above your head
3. Maintain eye contact with the coyote and speak firmly in a loud voice
4. Back away slowly and do not turn your back until the coyote is out of sight

Coyotes can be a fascinating and beautiful addition to our natural surroundings, but they can also be a source of conflict and danger if not treated with respect. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, we can learn to coexist peacefully with these intelligent and adaptive creatures, ensuring that both humans and wildlife can thrive in our shared environments.

A coyote in the garden

Wildlife Conservation, Animal Behavior, Animal Control, Gardening Tips, Sustainable Living