Urban Coyotes

IDENTIFICATION:  Coyotes (Canis latrans) weigh between 20 and 45 pounds.  They resemble a small German Shepherd with pointed ears, a slender muzzle, and a bushy tail.  Most are brownish gray in color with a pale belly.  Most coyotes have dark hairs that cover their back and tail.

RANGE:  Coyotes range from North America to South America, throughout Canada, Alaska, and even the arctic.  Coyotes are widespread throughout New Mexico.

HABITAT:  Coyotes are highly adaptable and can exist in a variety of habitats including deserts, grasslands, swamps, mountain ranges, arctic and alpine tundra, and tropical areas.  Coyotes have adapted to living in densely populated areas including cities such as New York City and Los Angeles.  In Albuquerque they are usually found along the periphery of the City, open spaces, golf courses, natural arroyos, and the bosque, though they can be found nearly anywhere.

DIET:  Coyotes are omnivores, meaning they will eat both plant material and meat.  They are opportunistic when it comes to obtaining food.  Coyotes feed on a wide range of animals such as rabbits, rodents, birds, and small livestock. Occasionally, when natural food is scarce coyotes are known to prey on domestic pets like cats and dogs.  In addition, coyotes will eat fruits such as grapes, berries, and apples, and assorted vegetables.  They often get into compost piles and unsecured garbage.

REPRODUCTION and BEHAVIOR:  Coyotes are most active at dawn, dusk, and night, but occasionally they can be active throughout the day.  Coyotes bed in sheltered areas, and generally only use dens when raising young.  In Albuquerque dens can be found in dense brush, culverts, holes in arroyos, ditch banks, fields, or under buildings.

Coyotes usually breed in early spring, producing litters about nine weeks later in late spring.  Average litter size in five to seven pups, although litters with as many as 13 pups have been reported.  Rarely is more than one litter found in a territory.  Coyotes are far more territorial during pup rearing and will exhibit aggressive behavior to other coyotes or dogs that venture near the den.

Both male and female coyotes hunt and bring food to their young.  Food requirements rise during pup rearing and this is often a period of increased conflict between humans and urban coyotes.

Pups emerge from the den by 3 weeks of age.  They eat meat and can run well by the time they are a month old.  By 2 months, they go out foraging with their parents and will stay with them until late summer or fall when they are able to fend for themselves.

Coyotes in Albuquerque

Enjoy Albuquerque’s coyotes at a distance.  Most coyote attacks and bites occur when people try to feed wild coyotes or treat them like domestic animals.  The following are some steps you can take to reduce human/coyote conflict.

• DO NOT FEED COYOTES!  Most incidents of coyotes biting or attacking humans have resulted from the coyote being fed.
  
• Albuquerque is a dry climate.  Eliminate any water sources coyotes may use.
  
• Bird feeders should be placed in areas inaccessible to coyotes.  Coyotes will not only eat the seed, but they will also be attracted to the birds and small mammals that come to the feeders.
  
• Do not discard garbage in areas accessible to coyotes.  Keep garbage in secure containers, and do not move trash to the curb until the morning of your scheduled pickup day.
  
• Feed pets indoors if possible.  If feeding outdoors, pick up any leftovers.  Store pet food in areas inaccessible to coyotes.
  
• Do not allow small pets to run free.  Keep large dogs indoors at night.
  
• Walk your pets on a leash.  Avoid brushy or overgrown areas where coyotes may be hidden.
  
• Spay/neuter your dogs.  Keep your pets current on vaccinations.
  
• Do not leave small children unattended in areas coyotes are known to frequent.  Teach children that coyotes are not domestic dogs and should be observed from a distance.  Tell children to tell an adult if they see a coyote.
  
• If you see coyotes in your area, discourage them from visiting.  Scare them away by shouting, making loud noises, or throwing rocks.
  
• Fencing may help keep coyotes from visiting your yard.  A fence should be more than six feet high, with the bottom extending below the ground.  Coyotes are excellent jumpers and diggers.  Remember, no fence is necessarily coyote proof.

What To Do If You See A Coyote

Don’t panic.  Most coyotes will leave an area once they realize you are there.  In some cases coyotes will have lost their fear of humans and may not readily leave an area.  If this occurs, make it known that the coyote is not welcome.  Make loud noises (shouting, clapping hands, etc.) or throw rocks in the direction of the coyote to scare it away.  If a coyote approaches you do not run.  Maintain eye contact and make yourself appear larger. Try to move to an area with more activity.

Aggressive Coyotes

Aggressive coyotes include animals that will not back down from human deterrence. These animals may stalk pets in yards, or approach humans despite attempts to scare them away. If you encounter an aggressive coyote please call 311 immediately.