06/10/2025
Well, it’s that time again. Coyote sightings are on the rise, wondering why?
A part of it is because of the Eaton fire. Coyotes, just like people, have also lost their homes and hunting grounds and just like all of the other wildlife, they have migrated to where there is cover, meaning hiding places, and food sources. There are other reasons too; you may say “well I’ve been seeing more coyotes in my area since before the fire,” and that would also be true. They are more prevalent in recent years as the human population has increased and expanded more into the foothills, creating more trash, fruit trees (equaling more rats), and unfortunately more small pets available, mostly cats that are outside at night to hunt.
It has also been breeding season or “Denning” season. This usually starts in January and runs through March with pups being born between March and May. This is the time you’ll see more coyotes out as they are becoming more territorial plus they now have babies to feed. Unfortunately, this is also the time when the most problematic issues arise, such as catching and suffering from mange. Mange is caused by a parasitic mite that burrows into the skin, causing severe itching, massive hair loss and thickened, irritated skin. This, in turn, can cause secondary problems and illnesses, such as wounds that become infected, and worst of all, pneumonia. Because coyotes cannot keep warm without their fur coat, they become sick and are unable to hunt very well, therefore become weaker and the chances of being severely injured by a passing car become greater or starvation sets in, neither of which are a pleasant way to die.
Coyotes, like opossums, raccoons, and squirrels, are considered urban wildlife, meaning they have learned to adapt to living with and coexisting with human beings in an urban community. Like it or not, coyotes, as with all wildlife, play an important part in the urban setting, greatly helping to keep the rat population down, eating fallen fruit and bugs from gardens and yes, unfortunately catching and killing the cats that are outside at night. Learning to coexist with all urban wildlife is key to creating a naturally balanced community. However, there are a lot of things we as humans and pet owners can do to learn to coexist and live with all urban wildlife.
Here are some tips to help manage life with the coyotes who live among us:
-Keep your small dogs and all cats inside, especially early morning and at dusk, when coyotes are out and starting to forage for food.
-The use of catios is a very good idea. Your cats can still have outside time, but they’re perfectly safe in an enclosure that’s easily built and constructed in backyards.
-Keep all pet food inside, don’t leave it outside, especially overnight.
-Be more aware during breeding and denning season (January through May).
-Coyotes can easily climb a 12-foot fence to get into your yard, always be aware, especially if you live in the foothills.
-Do not feed or set out scraps for wildlife, that will just draw them to your house or community even more for an easy meal!
Remember! Coyotes are beneficial to urban neighborhoods as they are very instrumental in helping to keep the rodent population down, therefore helping to keep our communities and neighborhoods healthier in the long run.
For more information on coyotes, including how to coexist with them rather than battling them, and how to deal with difficult ones, go to projectcoyote.org.
Always remember, they don’t live in our backyards, we live in theirs!
