RELEVANT NATURAL HISTORY
Coyotes are members of the canid family and may be mistaken for German Shepherds or Huskies (domestic dogs) with behaviors to match. They are larger than foxes and smaller than wolves.
Coyotes can survive in a wide range of habitats, feast on a variety of natural foods (fruit like persimmon, insects like locusts, mice, chipmunks, shrews, rabbits and squirrels), as well as human-supplied foods (garbage or outdoor pet foods).
Both coyote parents (the Alphas; male & female) assist with the care of the pups as a family unit. Though coyotes are biologically able to reproduce with domestic dogs, due to short fertility times of the coyote and the absence of the dog parent, they rarely do.
Mated pairs maintain territories against other coyotes, which are scent-marked and defended against other coyotes as well as foxes. Family groups yelping in unison can create the illusion of a dozen or more performing together. Coyotes are most often heard around dawn and dusk. Both adult males and females will come to the aid of a crying pup.
Coyotes often adapt their activity periods to times when human beings are not active. Despite being one of the most successful urban mammals, many people are surprised to see a coyote in their backyard or to discover a coyote den near their property. Coyotes are adaptable opportunists who do not mind living close to people in suburban and urban settings, their presence often going unnoticed.
The presence of a den is nothing to be concerned about. Coyotes tend to start denning during the breeding season (March/April), and abandon the den once the kits no longer need it.
Like all wildlife, coyotes are natural to the ecosystem and there are humane ways of coexisting with them.
