Edit: Welcome Daily Herald readers. This is a companion piece to the article I had published in the Daily Herald on Friday. There are some more facts for you to sift through.
Coyotes are primarily pack animals and in their system, females do most of the hunting. When you set out to trap coyotes, odds are that you will be trapping female coyotes. If you happen to trap and kill an alpha female, the rest of the females in the coyote pack will go into heat. Mating will continue full force until an alpha female is established. In may cases this can double, triple or quadruple coyote numbers. This is the opposite of the intended effect when agencies put on their “cowboy” hats and tell communities they are going to kill some coyotes. “Coyote control” is little more than feel good nonsense which has little to do with science. It is cruel and inhumane and has no real effect on coyote populations. Killing coyotes actually creates more of them, and when you have more baby coyotes to feed you end up losing more house cats and more rabbits. Coyotes have a self regulating mechanism to control their own population numbers.
Currently, there are around 30,000 coyotes in Illinois and 13 million people! Does this sound like a coyote problem or a people problem to you? Even more shocking is the fact that DuPage County in northern Illinois has 930,000 people while being only 215,000 acres. Many wilderness areas in Montana are larger than 215,000 acres and contain no people at all. When town officials(such as those in Wheaton Illinois who are planning coyote “thinning”) complain of serious coyote problems, how serious can they be? Can a few coyotes really stir up so much trouble to really impact the lives of 55,000 people? Of course not. This is an overblown reaction which seems to be par for the course in the antiquated world of coyote management.
Just how overblown is this reaction? Take a look for yourself:
Odds of dying by heart disease? 1 in 5
Odds of dying by firearm assault? 1 in 324
Odds of dying by accidental firearm discharge? 1 in 5,314
Odds of being attacked by an animal that is not your pet? 1 in 4,200,000.
As you can see, coyote problems are completely blown out of proportion. And I suspect that in rough economic times, certain animals become hated simply because people need something to vent on. They certainly are an easy target for the irrational and emotionally charged. There is simply no real science behind lethal coyote control. If you are going to actively seek out and kill large numbers of a given species, what is it you are really doing if sound science is not being applied? As an evolved and enlightened species, shouldn’t we make sure we dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s before we resort to fatal methods?
There’s no doubt that losing a pet to a coyote is a bad experience and I feel nothing but sympathy for those pet owners. However, we have to understand that a species should not be punished in large numbers for a couple of bad situations(such as the town of Wheaton, Illinois is recommending). Remember, taking out the unhappiness of a community on an animal never ends well. The majestic elk used to roam Illinois. So did the mountain lion, the wolf and the bison. We systematically extirpated those animals from Illinois out of confusion and industry. Today, Illinois is a much poorer state in their absence. We have no true wildlands or open spaces save for the Shawnee National Forest in the southern end of the state. The coyote managed to survive our onslaught and has struck a balance – surviving in the tiny spaces between our endless strip malls and subdivisions. Is it too much to ask that we leave this last survivor of the old prairie at peace in the miniature and forsaken habitat we have left for it? Have we not learned lessons of the past?
Somewhere not far from where you are reading this article, a coyote is hunkered down in a last tiny patch of suburban wildland. This swath of “green” is probably no more than a hundred yards wide and surrounded on all sides by houses, stores and roadways full of giant SUVs. This coyote is probably huddled with others in the pack, trying to keep the harsh winter at bay. Their coats are thick and clean, their eyes bright with energy. It doesn’t remember the ghosts of the elk, mountain lion or the wolf. It just wants to be in these last pathetic slivers of woods – all that is left in this over developed and natural resource-starved state we call Illinois.
….and you want to go out into this last tiny refuge to trap the coyote and then shoot it in the head?
Coyote Facts:
Coyotes can run up to 40 miles per hour
Coyote den sites are handed down through generations
Coyotes have been known to bring food to other trapped coyotes
Coyotes often mate for life
Coyotes sometimes accept lone coyotes into their packs as family
Coyotes prefer to be in packs
Coyotes have defined territories they defend from other coyote packs
Coyotes breed at 22 to 34 months
Coyotes have more vocalizations than any other animal in the U.S.
Coyotes will eat insects, fruit and other animals.
Tips for living with urban coyotes:
Never feed coyotes or other wild animals including squirrels. These feeding grounds attract coyotes. If your pet is attacked because you leave out food sources it is not the coyotes fault, but rather yours. Leaving pet food out or water sources is a bad idea.
Remove vegetation that may shelter coyotes.
Keep pets indoors during low light hours(evening and morning). This is when wild animals hunt!
Install a six foot fence with an overhang to keep coyotes out of your yard. Bolster this fence with ground wire so coyotes cannot dig under fence. They can dig quite well.
Keep your garbage well sealed inside the cans and put it out the day trash arrives rather than the night before.
The fly-in-the-ointment is the increase in the urban coyote population where they have almost total protection and are increasing their numbers. Speaking only of upper the upper Midwest states where I have the most expertise, most of these urban areas were completely void of coyotes 20 years ago — not to mention there were no coyotes in the region until wolves were extirpated back in the early part of the last century they then migrated in from the west to fill the void. They’re very adaptable creatures and need little [sic] “suburban wildland” to be able to not only survive, but to thrive in urban environs. Necessary common-sense precautions should be taken by people in order not to attract coyotes, but again, one shouldn’t have to have to have go through a whole-scale modification of behavior in lieu of some removal of problem animals. It’s just as reasonable to expect animals to adapt to us as we’re expected to adapt to them.
I am a Wheaton resisdent that has been following the Coyote “crisis” pretty closely. My only concern is the risk of an attack on one of the many children that live and play in the area. The coyotes that have been spotted do not seem to be particularly shy of people or easily scared off by attempts to chase them away.
For clarification, I’m not the “Bob” who posted the 2nd comment.
And I’m not the “Bob” who posted the 1st.
Bob #2: Touché.
Regards,
Bob #1
Good point Bob. Humans do need to learn how to adapt to those animals being in urban areas After all, it’s we humans that moved into their native lands. Coyotes and wolves are very adaptable creatures and that is why our status quo methods of managing various kinds of wildlife don’t work anymore. Whether it be a raptor living in a city that was re-introduced to control a nuisance pigeon problem or canids that have either expanded or changed their territories. One only has to read the paper about some elderly person upset because rabbits and deer are foraging in their garden, or someone else is upset because their pet is missing and may have ended up being a snack for a predator. I recently learned about a series of seminars being held this fall at Fort Lewis College that includes various wildlife topics such as how to predator proof your livestock/pets/home/garden, etc. Man is an intelligent creature and we just need to be smarter than the predators unless we chose to eradicate them but that will only create another set of problems to deal with.
Bob, if you don’t mind, could you type your name as “Wheaton Bob” when commenting to avoid confusion? Either that or choose whatever you are most comfortable with. Sorry for the confusion.
This is Bob #1 (Wheaton Bob).
I wanted to add that I am not one who wants to get rid of the coyotes. I sort of like being able to spot them from time to time around the neighborhood. I enjoy backwoods hiking and camping and I am not afraid of wildlife in these conditions, but I have to admit that I worry about young kids being harmed as they play, explore bushes or walk down the streets around the neighborhood. Do I have reason to be concerned? I’d like to hear comments based on your experience.
In response to Jim’s comments, I’m with Wheaton Bob and it’s a mistake to eradicate any wildlife — though some are just simply too dangerous to have around in a heavily populated area (black bears, mountain lions, etc.). Because these are usually low-density population predators, capture and relocation is a viable option. But in regards to coyotes, fortressing your property isn’t a panacea, either. Rabies, starvation, and other factors will cause coyotes to lose fear and attack pets and sometimes children. Yes, the odds are astronomical that would happen to any one individual, but you have to deal with the fact that the populace will grow weary hearing about someone’s cat or poodle being snatched and the acceptance/tolerance of coyotes in close proximity will wane. Some sort of control program has to be implemented, or there will be worse consequences to contend with down the road.
I have been camping and backpacking many times with coyotes sniffing and yipping about and I never had any problems. Coyotes generally hunt smaller animals but they are adapted for cursorial hunting. Although there is a recent instance of a young woman being killed by a pack of coyotes in Canada, I question the true authenticity of this claim as to what really caused the coyotes to attack her. Was she running, trying to get away from them (something you don’t do because canids instinctively will chase their prey), did she have food on her possession, were they canid-dog hybrids (known for their instability), possibly rabid? I don’t know, I didn’t follow the story. If you are camping, keep your food in a cache away from your tent at night, take precautions to let animals know you are in the vicinity being careful not to surprise them, then you should be fine. I would be especially wary of small children and pets, since they are small enough to be prey for most any wild predator.
Jim,
There have been some attacks on children and adults, a quick google came up with this site (I doubt it’s a comprehensive list):
http://tchester.org/sgm/lists/coyote_attacks.html
(This was deleted when posted as “Not-Wheaton Bob)
In response to Jim’s comments, I’m with Wheaton Bob and it’s a mistake to eradicate any wildlife — though some are just simply too dangerous to have around in a heavily populated area (black bears, mountain lions, etc.). Because these are usually low-density population predators, capture and relocation is a viable option. But in regards to coyotes, fortressing your property isn’t a panacea, either. Rabies, starvation, and other factors will cause coyotes to lose fear and attack pets and sometimes children. Yes, the odds are astronomical that would happen to any one individual, but you have to deal with the fact that the populace will grow weary hearing about someone’s cat or poodle being snatched and the acceptance/tolerance of coyotes in close proximity will wane. Some sort of control program has to be implemented, or there will be worse consequences to contend with down the road.
Yes, capture and release can be a viable option and extermination should not be used. But also, people who venture into wild lands need to educate themselves about the wildlife, what is prudent behavior and what is not prudent behavior. And as human encroachment continues the problem will exacerbate.
Jim,
The issue isn’t necessarily human encroachment as much as it’s also coyote population expansion. As Bob noted earlier, coyotes are expanding their range into established urban areas where they weren’t found a decade or two ago. In that case, removal — including lethal methods if need be — needs to be considered and implemented if required.
The issue of coyotes, or coywolves is a direct result of exterminating the wolves. Wolves were hunted to near extinction because they threatened our farm industries, but now we’re learning that coyotes will cause more damage than the wolves ever did. It’s the same old story and we never learn. I hope someday we’ll stop killing and blaming everything else and learn to coexist.
You are right, coexistence is the key. It’s only been in the last few years that society as a whole has started to understand this, whether it be global warming, over-population, or…..the list goes on. Humankind must practice strategic stewardship of its resources–not just in this country but globally. Killing and death is such a waste and affects everyone whether they want to accept it or not.
Very good article. I am in a neighboring town (to Wheaton) and our house backs up to a fairly large open space (Fermi Lab). We see Coyotes routinely and have absolutely no problems with them.
One comment made about trapping and relocating… it won’t work and will usually result in the death of the Coyote. I attended a seminar (from NWRA) a few years back where this very approach was discussed and, in addition to relocate, they radio collared the animals. They all immediately started a journey in an almost direct line back to where their home territory was. And this was after being relocated 50-100 miles. Unfortunately, going through unfamiliar areas, most were killed by cars with various reasons for the other deaths.
Finally, let me say that Wheaton’s approach makes a (sarcasm on) great educational opportunity for the kids. If you don’t like something or are scared of it… just kill it. It’s easy! Yep, we need to teach more of that to our youth.
Mike, Thank you so much for this very in-depth, educational article.
If there seems to be one or two coyotes that appear unafraid of humans and are approaching back doors of residences? It is most likely due to human feeding. Very sad that this animal is now being persecuted due to human ignorance.
Having said that, I feed the birds, so I guess I’m guilty too.
Having volunteered at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glenn Ellyn, for nearly ten years, I have seen first hand the sorrowful consequences of humans impact on wildlife.
And to Jim K., ‘capture and release’ is a death sentance. Max McGraw did an extensive study on relocation of coyotes in Illinois.
100% of the coyotes that were re-located to other areas, were killed while trying to make their way ‘back home’ to their territory.
Most of them were hit and killed by cars.
Others were shot dead.
Again, Thank you Mike for this article.
Good article. I found this very informative on the subject.
http://ohioline.osu.edu/b929/pdf/b929.pd
I was surprised to learn that the coyote is a recent addition to the area. I am curious to learn of when and where they are sighted and any aggressive tendencies they have shown to humans. That seems to be the point at which they they may need to be removed. Until then, it seems the best course of action is to educate people and scare coyotes.
I have been observing/studying coyotes for almost 8 years in eastern Massachusetts. All I’ve ever had to do to scare a coyote away was simply to walk toward it. They all seem to have a comfort zone and sooner or later they’ll bolt away. I expect that coyotes (canis latrans) will be reclassified as “Coywolf” in the near future. Reason being is that the species that everyone is up in arms about is related to, but NOT the coyote of the south west, but rather a wolf hybrid and is actually in the process of evolution. A remarkable, fascinating animal that should remind all of us of what happens when we mess with mother nature, (coyotes or coywolves got their start as a result of human extirpation of the wolf). I’ve been doing public education presentations and it’s amazing how little of a concern they became once people learned about them. Fear of the unknown is also exploited by the news media…
John
Here in Massachusetts, the vast majority of pets attacked or killed by coyotes were NOT leashed or attended. If people love their pets, then they need to be responsible and keep them leashed. I have 6 cats and 3 dogs; the cats never go out and the dogs are always leashed.
Google attacks on children; http://www.varmintal.com/attac.htm
it does happen even in Illinois. 2007 – Woodstock, IL A coyote jumped over a silt fence and snapped at 8-year-old Brandon Schaefer’s hand when he was walking home from school, his mother said. The bite left two puncture wounds, and the boy received five rounds of rabies shots, which left him feverish and vomiting. “If they’re going to attack my 8-year-old, they’re going to attack a 5-year-old,” his mother, Jenny Schaefer said, adding that the next attack might be more serious.
I’m sorry but this whole “we’re encroaching on their territory” saga is getting old. They are encroaching on my territory.
I had 6 coyotes in my backyard in one day; stalking my dog (?).
When you cannot go out in your own yard, something is amiss.
Yes, I love wildlife. I’ve photographed deer, wild turkey, possum, raccoon, hawk, skunk, woodchuck, squirrel, fox, and now coyote in my yard. And for those of you in Wheaton, I am one block south of a major throughfare known as Roosevelt Road.
Do I want the coyote culled? Yes. The coyote keeps the rabbitt and rodent population in balance. But the coyote has no predator in Illinois to keep it in balance. Therefore they multiply and are widing up in our yards.
Our children have had to have a police escort them home when leaving a school on the north side of town. Recess has had to be cancelled due to coyotes on the playground at an elementary school on the southside of town.
Regarding the humans feeding other wildlife ~ how do you propose to stop them? It’s not going to happen.
The comments about keeping dogs leashed or being too lazy to walk them. Many homeowner’s have purchased the Invisible Fence which allows your dog to play, frolic, sleep, or whatever in his own yard. Now this is obsolete.
Coyote fencing – for those that wish to put up wooden fences to keep coyotes out – research indicates coyotes can jump 6 feet in 1.5 seconds. So a 7 foot fence is required which the city does not allow.
People are crying foul about spending tax payer money on coyote removal. What about the tax payers who cannot enjoy their own yards.
These are second generation coyotes. They are not afraid of you. Clapping your hands, approaching them ~ it’s an accident waiting to happen.
Glen Ellyn has been culling coyotes now for some time. I don’t hear any comments about their town.
Kozmo says:
February 13, 2010 at 9:50 pm
Here is that site again. My last post dropped the last “f”
http://ohioline.osu.edu/b929/pdf/b929.pdf
I live further south of you Ronnie near Butterfield, and we see occasional coyotes, but my neighborhood has had no problems.
Maybe the city should have a should have a wildlife officer to assess whether the coyotes have become habituated and whether that can be reversed. They could also educate people on how to avoid coyotes becoming habituated. Have you looked into the cost of trapping? I would be curious to know what that runs.
Ronnie – when did the police escort incident happen?
The theorie that the population will explode if you kill an alpha female is yet an other preposterous idea. Just take a look at your utopian yellowstone where wolves have killed thier fair share of alpha female coyotes and the area is not teaming with coyotes or any other kind of animals any more. More wolves doesnt mean more coyotes and managing coyotes doesnt mean you get more. Unfortunately hug-a-bunny mentality doesnt hold water here either.
Yep, just another opinion in the ongoing writing of the Green Bible, nice fairy tales always make me giggle.
The point that some people here are missing is that I don’t think anyone is talking about total eradication of coyotes, just population control. Again, while coyotes are native to North America, they’re not indigenous to the Midwest or the East and if you want to be technical about it, they could be considered an invasive species. The coyotes are moving into urban areas that they were never native to begin with, let alone being “encroached” within established urban centers.
Also, I never endorsed the idea of trap and relocate — I said it only seems to work with bears and cougars.
I live in southside Wheaton. Last year, we had issues with coyotes and I made it a point to educate myself and neighbors on how to co-exist with these beautiful animals. Our 13lb. dog gets an escort every time she is outside.
But, the part about the coyotes losing their fear of humans and affecting elementary school’s recess (believe me – those kids need that outside time!)brings up a good point. How would trappers go about “culling” the problem coyotes?
kill them all
Even though an old post,i will comment.Trapping in the instance in Wheaton,il -is only a way of poulation control in a sense.It is not made to kill ALL the coyotes,it will not achieve that anyway.Furthermore a dead coyote is just that.The number of coyotes WILL be less ,and the remaining yotes will be vary wary of people.The statistics everyone is getting caught up in is a joke ! on BOTH sides-simply put ”explain your statistics of plane crashes to the widow whose family was wiped out in a plane crash-silly isn’t it?
I am LMAO!!! And Phil – You are spot on!!! How sad that well-tempered, nonthreatening stray dogs and cats are removed and euthanized, yet predatory coyotes have an advocacy group. Such hypocrisy!
Unfortunately, those sympathetic with coyotes will undoubtedly be kicked in the teeth when such predatory behavior results in the fatal injury of a child. Although when that happens, certainly the child will be to blame. Afterall, he or she will have disrupted the coyote’s habitat.
Incidentally, I’m not a hunter or gun owner. However, I am the responsible guardian of 3 GSPs who thrive with their daily woods run.
And the statistics cited are skewed at best, not knowing the sampling population.
The potential of increased fertility and litters due to the loss of a female? Come on!!! I can’t type while holding my stomach while laughing!!
What is almost laughable is you have a bunch of suburbanites,who’s expertise is realated to the ”big woods ”of Wheaton.If that doesn’t have you laughing,like lisa stated now the coyotes have a protect the coyote group,yet the problem is the suburban people to begin with.First with feeding and not quite understanding wildlife,and than when the best option is to remove some they blow a gasket.Mainly because of ”big city” love the animals mentality.Sorry if you have never witnessed a coyotes circling and killing a raccoon,or heard a rabbit scream while being eaten alive.Im fortunate enough to have figured all this out by the time i was 12 or 13yrs old.The circle of eat or be eaten takes place wether you witness it or bury your head in the sand!
That’s a pretty good point.
I’m wondering how your GSP would react to being choked as a result of running into an unmarked land set snare. I’m guessing it would die.
I think you make a good point regarding the failed attempts at eradicating the coyote. What kind of sport is it, that drives around and shoots coyotes at long distances and leaves they lay? or worse yet what kind of sport is it to let loose a bunch of “staghounds” to run down and tear up a single coyote???? They are here for a reason and have a much right to life as the rest of us!
All wildlife needs managed as i read.the coyote has no predator, other than,man and i dont care how they reoroduce,they are fun and interesting to trap.and hunt.and there pelts look very nice on the wall.and the kids enjoy playing with them.trapping is a way of life.it helps the small game tremendously.i live in the country, and i love listening to the yoyes howl at night. by i also like listening to them howl when then caught by the front foot in a well, placed trap. God Bless all of the Trappers out there. keep up the good work.