Missouri's Coyotes: A Guide to Management, Nuisance Prevention, and Damage Control 2019

2019·1.2 MB·English

by  Missouri Department of Conservation

Missouri’s
Coyotes
A Guide to Management,
Nuisance Prevention, and
Damage Control
Copyright © 1997, Revised 2009, 2014, 2017, 2019 by the Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri
Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the Missouri Department of Conservation is available to all
individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or
disability. Questions should be directed to the Department of Conservation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573-751-
4115 (voice) or 800-735-2966 (TTY), or to Chief, Public Civil Rights, Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849
C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.
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Introduction ..............................................2 Lethal methods ........................................ 11
Shooting ........................................... 12
Life History ................................................3
Using a call ......................................... 12
Habitat ..................................................3
Feeding habits ...........................................3 Guide to Trapping Nuisance Coyotes .................... 13
Reproduction ...........................................4 Target animals ......................................... 13
Care of young ...........................................4 Trap-set location ...................................... 13
Effects on game and other wildlife .......................5 Human and other foreign odor ........................ 14
Trap sets for coyotes ................................... 14
Types of Nuisance Problems ...............................6
Dirt-hole sets ....................................... 14
Conflicts with people ....................................6
Flat sets ............................................ 15
Killing or injuring pets ...................................6
How to construct a dirt-hole set .................... 16
Preventing conflicts .....................................6
Problems at airports .....................................7 Blind sets ........................................... 18
Loss of livestock .........................................7 Trapping at carcasses .................................. 18
Calves ................................................7 Resetting after a catch ................................. 18
Sheep ................................................7 Trapping in frozen ground ............................. 19
Goats ................................................8 Releasing nontarget animals ........................... 19
Poultry ...............................................8 How to make a catch pole ............................. 20
Care of traps .......................................... 20
Damage Prevention and Control ........................ 10
Coyote trapping lures ................................. 21
Nonlethal methods .................................... 10
Guard animals ...................................... 10 Guide to Snaring Nuisance Coyotes ..................... 22
Dogs ............................................ 10 At fences .............................................. 22
Donkeys ......................................... 11 On trails .............................................. 24
Llamas .......................................... 11 In brush with a carcass ................................ 24
Fencing ............................................. 11
Identifying Coyote Tracks ............................... 25
Repellents .......................................... 11
Live trapping ....................................... 11 Contact Information .................................... 26
Writer: Ron McNeely
Illustrator: Mark Raithel
The Latin name for
coyote, Canis latrans,
means barking dog.
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istorically, coyotes lived in open Bounties, however, had little effect important role they play in reducing
grasslands and prairies of the on the adaptable coyote. Starting in the the rodent population.
western United States and as 1950s, coyote populations increased Because of their close proximity to
far north as southwestern Canada. dramatically and spread to the south- coyotes, many Missourians want to
Although many wildlife species, ern and eastern parts of Missouri. By learn more about these “little prairie
including the wolf, disappeared as the end of the 1970s, coyotes extended wolves,” as members of the Lewis and
people settled the land, coyotes found their range to all parts of Missouri, Clark expedition called them — either
conditions favorable and flourished. including the Bootheel. to enjoy watching them, hear them
Until the first half of the 1900s, coyotes Today, coyotes can be found in howl or to learn how to take preventive
lived mostly in the prairie region of the North and Central America — from measures to protect their property.
northern and western parts of Missouri. Alaska to central Mexico and from The first step in resolving conflicts
Responding to losses of livestock from Newfoundland to Florida. Coyotes are between people and wildlife is an
farmers and ranchers, the Missouri leg- also well populated throughout Mis- understanding of the wildlife species
islature passed a bounty law on coyotes souri, and can be found in or near the involved. This booklet is designed to
and wolves in 1825. major metropolitan areas of Kansas help readers understand coyote behav-
Bounties were paid with state funds City, Springfield and St. Louis. ior. It also offers preventative methods
until the end of 1968. Some counties Persons living in urban or rural areas and nonlethal solutions to coyote prob-
continued to pay a small bounty for may see coyotes close to home. Many lems. Lethal methods, which are often
several more years. people welcome these valuable mem- the best short-term control options, are
bers of the wildlife community for the also included.
·1\.f)\C.1,,, IA1 Between 1825 and 1968, a bounty on
' 11'·1 1j1Jf4/ '\~ coyotes provided financial opportunities
I \ \ for hunters and trappers, but it had little
effect on coyote populations.
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Coyotes howl to let other family groups
know where their territory lies.
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oyotes are not large animals. Even in the Ozarks, coyotes choose Mated pairs defend territories when
Males weigh up to 35 pounds, open fields, glades and trails over dense they have pups. At other times, territo-
and females weigh an average of forest. Coyotes may travel logging ries often overlap. Encounters between
5 to 6 pounds less. Coyotes weighing trails in the forests, but their main mated pairs and other coyotes for
40 pounds or more are rare. food source is found in open fields and territories are not violent and deadly
Color varies with individual coyotes, pastures. like those between larger canines, such
but reddish gray is most common. The size of coyote home range var- as wolves.
Some animals, however, may be darker ies from one family to another. Home
and others more red. Older animals ranges are larger in late winter during Feeding habits
tend to be darker and more reddish, the mating season and smaller in the
and younger animals are more gray. spring when food is plentiful and the Although they are primarily carnivores,
mated pairs are raising pups. Three or coyotes are opportunists and will eat
Habitat four square miles is approximately as what is readily available. Mice, rats,
large an area as most mated pairs cover. ground squirrels, rabbits, carrion and
In Missouri, coyotes are found in all While feeding pups, coyotes in Mis- a wide assortment of other mammals
types of habitat from the Ozark forests souri usually hunt no more than a mile make up the bulk of their diet. Snakes
to northern crop fields and from the from their den. This contrasts greatly and birds, as well as an occasional wild
southeast lowlands to populated subdi- with coyotes in the arid western states turkey or white-tailed deer fawn, are
visions of major metropolitan areas. where mated coyotes may hunt more also preyed upon by coyotes.
In spite of their varied habitat, coy- than six miles from their denning area. During the summer and fall, coyotes
otes are basically prairie animals. They Like dogs, wolves and other canines, are more omnivorous. Pups often eat a
prefer open pastures and fields with coyotes mark their territories with steady diet of grasshoppers in the late
some brush and weeds where they can urine and droppings. Howling is summer when they begin hunting their
hunt for prey, such as mice, rabbits and another way that family groups identify own food. Crickets, beetles and other
other small mammals. their territory. insects are eaten by coyotes of all ages.
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The male coyote is a good provider and does
a large share of the hunting while the female
stays closer to the pups.
Coyotes also like fruits and ber- are full of deer hair, indicating that coy- Coyote pups, blind and helpless at
ries, such as mulberries, blackberries, otes have cleaned up the remains from birth, are covered with a wooly, brown-
wild strawberries and wild cherries. A field-dressed deer or eaten wounded ish-gray fur. Their eyes open when they
thicket of ripening wild plums or a per- deer not recovered by hunters. Coyotes are about 10 days old. At about 3 weeks
simmon tree may be visited by coyotes sometimes feed on road-killed deer of age, the young come out of the den
regularly. Many truck farmers know along rural highways. and are on their own by fall.
that coyotes also enjoy watermelons.
Coyotes are scavengers, too. In Care of young
rural areas, coyotes eat table scraps, Reproduction
~®[p)lf@cdlllil~□@ll'il
including vegetables, thrown out by Female coyotes prefer a dry, safe place
farm families. In urban areas or around In Missouri, coyotes breed from to have their pups. A common den site
campgrounds, coyotes sometimes mid-February into the first few days is a bulldozed brush and tree pile. The
raid garbage cans for discarded scraps. of March. Male coyotes do not breed female will crawl into the bulldozed pile
Although coyotes do not cause a large their first year, but some females do. and dig out a den under the root wad
problem to sweet corn growers, they Gestation is about 63 days, and most of a large tree.
sometimes pull down a stalk or two coyote pups in Missouri are born from Another popular den site is under
and nibble on the ears of corn. mid-April through the first week of the base of a large, standing tree that
Coyotes also feed on carrion. Follow- May. Litter size can vary from two to has an opening at ground level. Coyote
ing deer season, coyote droppings often 11 pups — sometimes more. pups sometimes are raised in hollow
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logs and under rock ledges. Other times, year, they sleep in a protected place on By late October, the pups begin to
female coyotes may enlarge an aban- the ground. hunt for themselves and cover more
doned badger or woodchuck burrow. In the early stages of feeding the ground. The litter may stay together as
A female often prepares more than pups, the parents eat their fill of a kill a loose family group as the pups begin
one den in the same area. If there and regurgitate their stomach contents to disperse in the winter. By spring, the
is human disturbance or if the den at the den for the pups to eat. As the family unit usually is dissolved.
becomes lice-infested or wet, she will pups develop, the parents bring them
move the pups to another location. pieces of meat that the pups must E~Wff@ec~tgs; @olnl'il ~glal'iml'il@e <aIDn!l'idl©l
Most coyote pups have been moved chew themselves. The male coyote is a
several times by the time they are old good provider and does a large share @ottt0hu@eIrJ' \wWli□l~d©l~li□fffe@
enough to leave the den on their own. of the hunting while the female stays
Occasionally hunters think coyotes
If the pups are too small to follow their closer to the pups.
have an adverse impact on wild game.
mother, she carries them one at a time As the summer advances, coyote
This is rarely the case in Missouri. Small
by the nape of the neck to the new den pups require more and more food, and
game populations, such as rabbits and
site. the parents sometimes are hard pressed
quail, can thrive in areas of high coyote
To keep watch over the area, the to keep them fed. To supplement their
populations if adequate food and cover
female may find an elevated place a diet, coyote pups begin to catch crick-
are available. Coyotes are not serious
hundred yards or more away from the ets, June bugs, grasshoppers, frogs and
wild turkey predators.
den. There she will dig a bed in a grassy, other small animals.
Coyotes sometimes kill white-tailed
weedy area. As the pups develop, they move
deer fawns, but not enough to have
In Missouri, coyote pups are weaned over a larger area until they expand
an impact on the deer population in
when they are about 6 weeks old. From their territory from less than an acre
Missouri. Researchers found that free-
this time on, they usually do not stay in June to several acres by late August.
roaming dogs have more impact on
in a den. Instead they live in a brushy, During this period, a disturbance, such
young deer than coyotes.
weedy area. Coyotes do not use dens as mowing or planting, may cause the
until the following spring when the family to move to a safer place, which
female has a new litter. The rest of the could be a mile or more away.
Coyotes prey upon mice and rats, thus helping
to keep the rodent population in check. Their
effect on game species is minimal.
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TYPES OF NUISANCE PROBLEMS
B
ecause they are so adaptable, So far, there have been no documented Preventing conflicts
coyotes live in big cities, cases of coyotes attacking people in
suburban areas and small towns, Missouri. However, coyotes exhibit- Do not intentionally or unintentionally
as well as in the country. As people ing threatening behavior should be feed coyotes. Feed pets inside, secure
continue to move out to the country reported to the local authorities or the garbage, and keep your yard free of
and as coyotes continue to move into Missouri Department of Conservation. refuse and brush piles to reduce rodent
the cities, more opportunities for Seeing a coyote in your neighborhood and rabbit populations.
conflicts develop. is not necessarily a reason for alarm. Make coyotes feel unwelcome in
Treat coyotes like any other wild animal your yard by harassing or chasing them
Conflicts with people that could become a nuisance. away with loud noises (shouting, beat-
ing on pots/pans, air horn), throwing
Typically shy, elusive animals, coy- Killing or injuring pets rocks and sticks, or using a water hose.
otes don’t normally pose a threat to
◾ Do not allow cats and small dogs out
humans. Most people who live in areas Coyotes occasionally kill or injure small
at night unless you accompany them.
of high coyote populations rarely see dogs or cats. Larger breeds of dogs,
◾ Keep outside areas for pets well lit.
one. In areas where they are hunted such as full-size collies, German shep-
and trapped, coyotes are very wary of herds and Labrador retrievers are not ◾ Obey leash laws to prevent uncon-
humans. However, in urban areas where typically in danger from coyotes, except trolled dogs from confronting
they are less likely to be hunted or when they are puppies. coyotes.
trapped, they have less fear of humans. The best solution is to keep small
◾ Fence your yard.
If food, such as outside pet food or pets inside or accompany them when
◾ Encourage coyote trapping and hunt-
garbage is deliberately or inadver- outside. Coyotes with pups some-
ing in season if permitted by local
tently provided by people, coyotes can times become aggressive to dogs that
ordinances.
develop a dependency on these food come near their dens in April and May.
sources. Subsequently, coyotes can Human disturbance at the den site ◾ Organize neighbors to change local
become quite bold, showing up in a usually will cause coyotes to move the ordinances to allow trapping as a
yard or in close proximity to a house. pups. management tool.
Because coyotes live in or near
cities, as well as in rural areas,
more people come into contact
with them.
6
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Most coyotes in Missouri do not kill calves, but some will prey on a
young one if the mother has left it alone.
Problems at airports Occasionally, a coyote or a family of in the past should be watched closely.
coyotes may kill young calves to feed When a cow has a calf away from the
Coyotes sometimes pose a threat to their pups. Most healthy calves killed herd, it should be fed and watered so
airplanes that are landing or taking off. by coyotes are less than a week old and it doesn’t have to leave its calf alone.
Striking a coyote on a runway could have been left alone by their moth- Sometimes cows can be brought close
damage a plane’s landing gear. ers. Cows often leave the main herd to the farmhouse until their calves are
A high fence around an airport will when they give birth. The newborn calf old enough and vigorous enough to be
help keep out most coyotes. Trapping, becomes vulnerable to predators when turned out with the rest of the herd.
snaring and shooting are other options. its mother leaves it to seek food and Guard animals also can provide pro-
water. When the cow and calf rejoin the tection to cows that are calving. These
Loss of livestock herd or the calf is at least 10 days old, trained animals bond with livestock but
the danger from coyotes is usually over. are aggressive to wild dogs and coyotes.
In Missouri, coyotes usually can find Coyotes occasionally kill calves dur- Guard animals lose their effectiveness,
an abundance of food in the wild. ing the birthing process. In some cases, however, if the cows go off by them-
Most livestock predation occurs when if coyotes find a cow having a long, selves to calve. For more information
coyotes are feeding pups in spring and hard labor, they may prey upon the calf on guard animals, see Page 10.
early summer. while it is protruding from the cow,
sometimes mutilating the mother in
Sheep
Calves the process.
Coyotes may kill a sick calf, espe- Not all coyotes kill sheep. Coyotes often
Most coyotes in Missouri do not kill cially if the cow is weak and unable to make routine trips through a sheep
calves, and many farmers have raised defend it. Calves that have scours or pasture without killing sheep. Coyotes
cattle for years without experiencing other diseases are especially vulnerable that kill sheep prefer lambs to larger
problems. to coyote attacks. Sometimes it may mature ewes. Occasionally, two or
Coyotes seen in and around calv- appear that a coyote has killed a calf, three coyotes collaborate in bringing
ing pastures usually are not a cause for but instead it was just feeding on one down a large ewe. In these cases, the
alarm. Some may be attracted to the that died from natural causes. wounds resemble those made by a dog
smell of calving cows. After the calves Good animal husbandry practices because of the difficulty that 25- to
are born, coyotes may clean up the can help reduce calf losses. First, it is 30-pound coyotes have in pulling down
afterbirth and eat the rich colostrum important to know when cows are such a large animal. See Page 9.
manure left by the newborns and leave going to calve. Young cows or mature Coyotes are more likely to kill lambs
the calves alone. ones that have not been good mothers during June and July when they are feed-
7
ing pups. They usually kill one sheep at a Coyotes sometimes kill sheep during Goats
time and feed on it until it is devoured. the daylight hours, but putting animals
Coyotes kill goats in a similar manner
A coyote looking for food in a lot at night is one of the best ways
to sheep; therefore, husbandry and pre-
approaches a flock of sheep much like a to minimize losses. The lot should
vention methods for these two species
border collie. When a lamb breaks away be near the farmhouse, with a 7-foot
are the same. Because Angora goats are
from the flock, the coyote runs beside woven-wire fence close to the ground
especially vulnerable to coyotes, guard
it and sinks its upper canine teeth just that coyotes can’t crawl under.
animals should be used if at all possible.
behind the ear and its lower canine A night lot with any kind of fence
teeth in the throat. close to the farmhouse is better than
The coyote clamps down tightly in allowing the sheep to roam in a pasture
Poultry
this strangle hold and holds on until at night. Lights and music played all
the lamb is unconscious. The coyote night may help keep coyotes away. If a Poultry, such as chickens, ducks,
usually begins feeding in the flank area guard animal is used, it should be with geese and turkeys, are easy prey, and
while the lamb is still alive. On rare the sheep in the night lot. any passing coyote bold enough to
occasions, a coyote may forego the Once coyotes have started killing approach an area where they are rang-
throat bite, grab the lamb in the flank, sheep and developed a pattern, trap- ing will help itself.
throw it down and begin feeding. ping or snaring the problem animals is Removing problem coyotes will only
Coyotes may develop a pattern of the best short-term solution. If traps make space for other coyotes to move
killing sheep every day, every other day are set in the pasture, sheep should be into the area. To stop poultry killing,
or sometimes every third day. They temporarily fenced out of the area. If predators would have to be trapped
often kill another sheep as soon as the this is not possible, the traps can be or snared close to the house, and this
last one has been devoured. covered during the day and uncov- would endanger pets that are a part
A high-tensile predator-proof ered when the sheep are in the night of most households. The best precau-
electric fence around a pasture can lot. This makes the traps less effec- tion, therefore, is to house the poultry
keep livestock losses due to coyotes tive because they are only being used at night where predators can’t get to
and dogs to a minimum. If the cost of part-time. If using snares at fences, it is them and build a high, predator-proof
fencing an entire field is too high, a high seldom necessary to remove livestock. pen for the fowl during the day.
woven-wire or predator-proof fence
should be used for a night lot.
Because coyotes will kill chickens whenever
they get a chance, the best protection is to
build a predator-proof pen.
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