Coyotes in the City - coexisting with our wild neighbors

Dog may be man’s—and woman’s—best friend, but we haven’t been a friend to most other canine species, especially the coyote (Canis latrans). Given coyotes intelligence and adaptability, it’s little wonder that conflicts arise with their human neighbors.

Luckily for both parties, a little patience and understanding go a long way toward preventing these problems. More frequent reports of coyote sightings in recent years can be attributed to expanding development into rural areas and to media coverage of coyote-related incidents. However, coyotes are typically not aggressive toward humans and are generally fearful of them.

DID YOU KNOW???

It's illegal to fire projectile devices of any kind in the city of Brookfield (ie: firearms of any kind, BB guns, slingshots, air rifles, bow & arrows, paintball guns, etc.)

It’s also illegal to trap or hunt wildlife in most urban and suburban municipalities in Wisconsin.

Unless they are causing a specific problem, the presence of coyotes should not be cause for alarm.

Most conflicts between humans and coyotes are easily avoided by following these simple suggestions, most of which will help to prevent conflicts with other wild species as well:
  • DO NOT FEED COYOTES! Problems occur when people begin feeding coyotes, either deliberately or inadvertently. Garbage should be stored in secure containers. Do not put meat scraps in compost piles.
  • REMOVE BIRD FEEDERS AND OUTSIDE PET FOOD CONTAINERS. Coyotes will prey upon small mammals attracted to birdseed and pet food.
  • DON’T ALLOW PETS TO RUN FREE AND KEEP A WATCHFUL EYE ON THEM. Walk dogs on a leash, especially at night.
  • PROVIDE SECURE SHELTERS FOR POULTRY, RABBITS, OR OTHER OUTSIDE PETS.  CLEAR WOOD PILES, BRUSH PILES AND OTHER POTENTIAL COVER FOR COYOTES. 
  • DON’T LEAVE SMALL CHILDREN OUTSIDE UNATTENDED.
  • REINFORCE THE COYOTES’ NATURAL FEAR OF HUMANS by turning on outside lights, making loud noises, and so forth. Be aggressive in your actions without being physically harmful to the animal. Although the response may not be immediate, eventually the coyotes will flee
  • ENCOURAGE YOUR NEIGHBORS to follow the same advice.

 

If you have any questions or issues with wildlife in your neighborhood, contact the Elmbrook Humane Society at 262-782-9261 or the Wildlife in Need Center at 262-968-5075.

DID YOU KNOW???

Coyotes help keep their prey populations healthy and in balance with the environment.  When coyotes consume animal carcasses, they help prevent the spread of disease within wildlife populations.  In agricultural areas, coyotes prey on rodents that damage crops.

When the coyote’s natural food is plentiful it seldom preys upon domestic animals -- but pet cats and rabbits are no match for a hungry coyote.

Coyotes are territorial; they may perceive domestic dogs as a threat, triggering a response to defend home turf, food sources, den sites and offspring. Pet owners should avoid leaving their pets outside unattended in the early morning and at night when coyotes are most active.

Also, keep your pets’ vaccinations up to date. Coyotes can carry internal and external parasites and are susceptible to an assortment of diseases including rabies, canine parvovirus and canine distemper.

 Vital Statistics

Description: The coyote is a member of the dog family. In size and shape coyotes are like medium-sized German Shepherd dogs, but their tails are round and bushy and are carried straight out below the level of their backs.

Diet: Small mammals, insects, reptiles, fruit, and carrion (dead animals).

Adult Size:

Weight: 15–45 lbs.

Length with tail: 40–60"

Shoulder height: 15–20"

Call:

Howling: Communication with others in the area. Also, an announcement that “I am here and this is my area. Other males are encouraged to stay away but females are welcome to follow the sound of my voice. Please answer and let me know where you are so we don’t have any unwanted conflicts.”

Yelping: A celebration or criticism within a small group of coyotes. Often heard during play among pups or young animals.

Barking: Thought to be a threat display when a coyote is protecting a den or a kill.

Huffing: Usually used for calling pups without making a great deal of noise.

 

Educating the community about coyote habits is key to understanding their behavior and preventing problems.

A four-page DNR fact sheet "The Coyote" (publication WM-148 86) can be ordered from:

DNR Bureau of Wildlife Management

P.O. Box 7921

Madison, WI 53707

If you have any questions or issues with wildlife in your neighborhood, contact the Elmbrook Humane Society at 262-782-9261 or the Wildlife in Need Center at 262-968-5075.

If you have other wildlife questions, we encourage you to learn more by visiting the wildlife section of the Humane Society of the United States website at www.hsus.org.

 

 




20950  Enterprise Avenue | Brookfield WI 53045-5224
Phone: (262) 782-9261 | Fax: (262) 782-3356 | E-mail: elmbrookhs@ebhs.org