Identification
Coyotes are members of the dog family, Canidae . They share dog-like characteristics; long muzzles with keen noses, pointed ears, sharp canine teeth, padded paws with four toes, fur coat and bushy tail. Coyotes vary in color from off-white to near black.
Coyotes vary in size but, generally male coyotes are larger than the females. The average size of a coyote is 4′ to 4½’ long and stand 1½’ to 2′ tall. Their weight varies from 20 to 50lbs.
Coyotes are typically nocturnal but, may be active during daylight hours during the young-rearing period and long summer days. Daytime activity by coyotes, without additional evidence, does not indicate rabies.
How, When and Why They Become a Nuisance Pest
In rural areas coyotes are extremely shy and avoid contact with humans. In urban and suburban areas, coyotes can grow accustomed to buildings and human activity and associate them with a dependable food source. Some have been known to come up to homes if food is regularly present.
Coyotes spotted near homes or in residential areas rarely threaten human safety however coyotes see our pets, especially cats and small dogs, as a food source and should be protected. Coyote populations are on a steady increase across North America , yet only a very small number of attacks on humans have ever been reported.
Damage They Cause
Coyotes will attack and kill pets, especially cats and small dogs, they will also prey on livestock. Like all warm-blooded animals, coyotes may contract rabies.
Atlanta, Georgia Coyote Removal & Coyote Control
Homeowners should eliminate any food sources, such as rats, that may be attractive to coyotes. Nuisance coyotes can be harassed with loud noises (shouting, or banging pots and pans) or spray from a garden hose to encourage them to avoid certain properties.
Pets can be protected by limiting their time outdoors, concentrating their outdoor activity to fenced areas under direct supervision. In addition, homeowners should eliminate other sources of attraction to coyotes including pet food left outdoors, table scraps, compost piles, and decaying fruit below fruit trees.
Homeowners should be aware that if they live near suitable habitat, electric fencing may be the only method to help eliminate coyotes from approaching their homes (coyotes are capable of climbing 8′ fences or digging under them). In cases where coyotes approach humans or where human presence is high, capturing and removing the problem coyotes may be necessary.
Be aware coyotes are very cunning animals. Professionals can not guarantee capture of the animals. Coyote traps and Trapped coyotes can be extremely dangerous. Please contact a professional wildlife controller before attempting coyote trapping on your own.
