Coyote sighting increase with winter mating season

Increased sightings of coyotes may occur this winter and spring in rural and urban areas across Kentucky as coyotes roam more to search for mates, establish territories and raise pups.

Coyote winter mating season typically lasts into March, while pup rearing takes place in spring and early summer.

“People may worry when they think there are coyotes living near them, but there’s usually no cause for alarm if you see one,” said Laura Palmer, wildlife biologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “Like other wildlife that live in and around neighborhoods and farms, and even in urban areas, coyotes are shy and will typically avoid humans.”

A member of the canine family, coyotes are mostly monogamous and form lasting pair bonds to raise their pups in established territories. Although coyotes are generally timid and wary of people, encounters with people and pets can arise as they go about foraging, protecting their dens and feeding their pups.

“Don’t be afraid and don’t panic,” Palmer said. “There are many unfortunate misconceptions about coyotes, but conflicts can be easily avoided by having a basic understating of these wild animals.”

Coyotes have been common in Kentucky for at least the past 50 years after spreading out across North America from the interior plains. Found in every state except Hawaii, and in every Kentucky county, most coyotes do not bother people, livestock or pets and most people do not even know coyotes are living near their homes.

Coyotes can live in any habitat from Alaska to Mexico, and have a varied diet consisting mostly of rodents, insects and fruit. They help maintain a natural balance in the ecosystem by providing natural rodent and insect control, scavenging and removing carrion from the environment, seed dispersal and more.

Coyotes are also opportunists and may take advantage of food around homes if an easy meal is available. A sick or injured coyote that is not able to forage on wild foods as efficiently, or young that have not learned to hunt effectively, may also sniff out food sources provided by humans.

“Do not feed coyotes – intentionally or unintentionally,” Palmer said. “Don’t leave your pet’s food outside and don’t feed feral cats, raccoons, deer or other wildlife. Be mindful that bird feeders may attract mice and squirrels, which could attract coyotes. Compost piles may also attract coyotes. Share this information with your neighbors – a united community approach is more effective at preventing issues in the first place.”

As with any wild animal, coyotes can lose their fear of people if conditioned to depend on us for food, which can lead to conflict. Remove all potential food sources, clean grills and remove grease traps, secure garbage, and be extra vigilant with pets that may be seen as prey or competition. Plug holes under fences, block access to crawl spaces, and fence around yards and gardens.

Pet owners should turn on outside lights and check the yard for unwanted animals before letting pets outside. Pets should be kenneled or supervised when outside.

When walking a dog, use a short, non-retractable leash that is highly visible and vary your walking routine. Do not let a dog chase or “play” with a coyote.

Never feed or approach any wild animal to take pictures or video. Observe and enjoy wildlife from a distance.

“If someone sees a coyote when out for a stroll or while walking their dog, just know that coyotes are curious by nature,” Palmer said. “Sometimes they follow people or dogs just to see what they are doing, or they may be guarding their pups that may be in an unnoticed den nearby. Alter walking routes in the future to avoid suspected den sites.”

Den sites may be in hollow trees or logs, rock crevices, brush piles, abandoned groundhog burrows, or even abandoned buildings or junk piles.

Coyotes are protective of their pups, born in spring or early summer, which stay in the den with the mother for about 3 weeks and learn to hunt when they are 8 to 12 weeks old. Family groups typically break up and disperse in late summer and early fall.

While coyotes are usually more afraid of people, some tips to keep in mind if approached by a coyote include:

Most coyotes do not cause conflict, but the ones that do may be removed individually by a licensed nuisance wildlife control operator, when necessary. Coyotes may also be hunted year-round, with no limit, with the appropriate hunting license and as allowed by local ordinances. Information and resources are available on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Coyotes webpage.

More information about coyotes and simple tips to avoid conflict may be found at the Urban Coyote Research Project or by calling Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-858-1549, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Eastern) weekdays, excluding holidays.