The healthy coyote population in the western suburbs reflects their adaptability in spite of environmental changes, housing developments, and evolving ecosystems. Some people consider these mammals a sign of a balanced natural environment. On the flip side, the coyote’s sinister wolf-like appearance, coupled with tales of attacks on small pets, can cause plenty of angst. The lonely howling, yipping and barking that echoes through the neighborhood is reassurance that coyotes are comfortable and will not be leaving any time soon.
Initially, larger predators such as wolves and cougars inhabited our forests and wetlands. Forests were cleared for farming and suburban developments making a desirable setting for coyotes. The coyotes’ ability to adapt to most environments allows them to adjust to humans, giving them hunting privileges over smaller species that are their natural food sources.
On the positive side: Coyotes help keep the food chain in balance:
- They feed on mice, rabbits, roadkill, weakened deer and occasionally human trash.
- The mild winters of recent years caused an increase of pesky rabbits and rodents that are candy for the coyote pallet. As a result it works to be our needed pest control!
The coyotes’ conflict with humans can be managed:
- Coexistence with coyotes necessitates keeping garbage cans, compost bins, and pet food dishes covered.
- Don’t feed them!
- Keep small dogs and cats inside, on a leash when outside, and properly vaccinated.
Know their habits:
- Coyotes are more active during the day.
- Though they live among humans, they fear us.
- When encountering a coyote make loud noises, yell or wave your arms to scare them off!
The purpose of the coyotes’ chilling howl is to:
- Establish their territory during the breeding season–between late January and March.
- Call the pack together after a hunt.
- Invite others to share in the kill.
- Practice training with pups during their developmental stages.
- Warn other packs away from their territory.
- Bond with their pack.
Coyote tracks are oval-shaped, with four toes that are close together and point inward in straight lines, the hind foot lands directly on top of the front foot and claws are very distinct.
As humans, we may fear their wolf-like appearance, scary night howls, and potential danger to small dogs, cats, chickens, and ducks. There are benefits to our acceptance of coyotes as partners in maintaining our natural environment. Coyotes help keep pesky rodent and destructive rabbit populations in balance. However, because they do not distinguish domestic from wild animals, coyotes occasionally prey on innocent family pets. Whether you consider them friend or foe, Minnesota’s most abundant predators are here to stay.
Sources:
U of M Duluth
City of Burnsville, MN
MnDNR
Human Rescue Alliance
Penn State
