The coyote (Canis latrans) is one of nature’s most adaptable wild animals. More and more cities are being invaded by these daring and crafty canids. As omnivores, coyotes enjoy a veritable smorgasbord in suburban areas.
A study by the Urban Coyote Research Program analyzed over 1,400 scat samples from urban coyotes and discovered the most common food items were small rodents, which made up 42 percent of their diet. Deer and rabbit contributed about 20 percent each. The study also revealed that fruits comprised about 23 percent of what coyotes ate.
Urban coyotes have been shown to predate on common housecats, which may seem more like natural prey, such as rabbits and squirrels and that may sometimes be the case with toy dog breeds.
Source: Missouri Conservationist, March 2019. Link. Spring is a time to be extra vigilant, says Tom Meister, MDC wildlife damage biologist as adult coyotes seek to feed hungry litters of pups. He also recommends tough love to train coyotes using harassment and fear-inducing pressure.
Research has established that coyotes can successfully be conditioned to stay away through consistent harassment and hazing.
INSIGHTS: Share this article via social media and in e-newsletters. The more urban and suburban animal owners know about coexisting with coyotes, the better off their animals will be. In the meantime, backyard chickens, small dogs, cats and goats beware as nearby coyotes look to dine in your neighborhood.