Community Corner

8 Things to Know About Coyotes

Coyotes have become a common visitor to backyards and neighborhood streets. Here's information about these wild animals.

Coyotes have become fairly common in eastern Massachusetts, but they can still startle suburbanites.

In order to provide education about coyotes, we've included information from MassWildlife concerning living with coyotes:

Coyotes are medium-sized predators and opportunistic feeders. They are extraordinarily adaptable to a wide range of habitats. This means they can thrive in suburban/urban and rural areas because there is food in those locations for them, including small animals, birds, insects and fruits, as well as garbage, pet food, birdseed and compost. Take precautions to eliminate any food sources in your yard and neighborhood to avoid creating problems with coyotes.

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They feed on what’s readily available and can eat rodents, rabbits, deer, birds, reptiles, fruits and berries. They may also eat road kill, rodents and birds and outdoor pet food. They can also prey on small dogs and cats. Pet owners should keep cats indoors and dogs under control during the day. Dogs should be in secured kennels or kept indoors at night.

The eastern coyote resembles a medium-sized dog, but has longer, denser fur, and pointed, erect ears. They’re usually gray, but can come in creamy blonde to red and even black. The typical female weighs between 33 pounds and 40 pounds while males are between 34 pounds and 47 pounds. They often look heavier because of their thick fur.

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Adult and females can maintain a territory that can range from 2 square miles to 30 square miles. Breeding season peaks in mid-February with four to eight pups born in a den in April or May.

Coyotes are usually shy and elusive. They are frequently seen in pairs or small groups.

Coyotes communicate by vocalizing, scent marking and other ways. They often can be heard howling and yipping at night or even during the day when they hear loud noises.

Coyotes do not hibernate.

Because coyotes are opportunistic and go where they know there is food, here are some ways to make your property less attractive to coyotes:

  • Secure your garbage
  • Don’t feed or try to pet coyotes
  • Keep your pets safe
  • Keep bird feeder areas clean
  • Keep pets indoors
  • Close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds
  • Don’t let coyotes intimidate you
  • Cut back brushy edges in your yard
  • Protect livestock and produce
  • Educate your neighbors

You can find out even more about coyotes by going to MassWildlife.


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