The coyote is one of the more controversial species that we manage, especially with constant news reports of attacks on people, family pets and livestock, as well as the provincial government’s recent protection of many coyote/wolf hybrids (Eastern Wolf) around Algonquin Park.
Coyotes are smaller than true Timber wolves with smaller bodies, shorter, thinner legs and quite a bit smaller feet. They also appear to have longer more slender faces and are absent of the wolf like mane. Their colours range from pure black to a light, almost white colour. The coyote/wolf hybrid looks and acts considerably more like a wolf. Adults weigh from 25-75 lbs depending on the time of year. It has been confirmed by MNRF Scientist Brent Patterson that the coyotes and hybrids are increasing in size due to the cross breeding with wolves.
Coyotes are one of, if not the smartest animals we deal with and definitely make us earn our money. They are very adaptable and clever which make them tough to catch. Coyotes are true scavengers and with the influx of more “wolf” gene are becoming more prolific hunters and killers. Most of their hunting was once done alone or in pairs when providing for pups, but recent reports and our own observations have seen more pack like hunting style. They are very opportunistic hunters and will take advantage of the easiest food sources.
Predation on other animals is the source of most of the complaints we receive about coyotes. They will prey on small dogs, cats, sheep and calves among other animals. Coyotes are also efficient hunters of most game species. The coyote’s eerie howl often leads people to think there are many more coyotes present than there actually are.
Humans and coyotes very rarely come in contact, so disease transmission is very low. They do carry distemper and mange but usually only transfer these diseases to other animals. Coyotes have been know to carry rabies.
Most predation occurs in early winter when small food sources are scarce and it is harder for coyote to take down deer and in early spring to summer when the pups are born and need to be fed. As well as when the pups start to hunt for themselves. Exclusion is the most permanent solution to deal with coyotes but often the large grazing areas of farms makes this option costly and difficult. Trapping is the next most effective solution when dealing with coyotes. They are a very hard animal to trap and quickly learn to be trap and snare shy. Hiring a professional is often the best option when dealing with coyote problems. There are many other ways to deal with coyotes but those options are not as effective as exclusion and trapping.
Coyotes are smaller than true Timber wolves with smaller bodies, shorter, thinner legs and quite a bit smaller feet. They also appear to have longer more slender faces and are absent of the wolf like mane. Their colours range from pure black to a light, almost white colour. The coyote/wolf hybrid looks and acts considerably more like a wolf. Adults weigh from 25-75 lbs depending on the time of year. It has been confirmed by MNRF Scientist Brent Patterson that the coyotes and hybrids are increasing in size due to the cross breeding with wolves.
Coyotes are one of, if not the smartest animals we deal with and definitely make us earn our money. They are very adaptable and clever which make them tough to catch. Coyotes are true scavengers and with the influx of more “wolf” gene are becoming more prolific hunters and killers. Most of their hunting was once done alone or in pairs when providing for pups, but recent reports and our own observations have seen more pack like hunting style. They are very opportunistic hunters and will take advantage of the easiest food sources.
Predation on other animals is the source of most of the complaints we receive about coyotes. They will prey on small dogs, cats, sheep and calves among other animals. Coyotes are also efficient hunters of most game species. The coyote’s eerie howl often leads people to think there are many more coyotes present than there actually are.
Humans and coyotes very rarely come in contact, so disease transmission is very low. They do carry distemper and mange but usually only transfer these diseases to other animals. Coyotes have been know to carry rabies.
Most predation occurs in early winter when small food sources are scarce and it is harder for coyote to take down deer and in early spring to summer when the pups are born and need to be fed. As well as when the pups start to hunt for themselves. Exclusion is the most permanent solution to deal with coyotes but often the large grazing areas of farms makes this option costly and difficult. Trapping is the next most effective solution when dealing with coyotes. They are a very hard animal to trap and quickly learn to be trap and snare shy. Hiring a professional is often the best option when dealing with coyote problems. There are many other ways to deal with coyotes but those options are not as effective as exclusion and trapping.
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Map of coyote captured in Toronto, Ontario. Here you can see it's movements and how it crossed the Welland Canal in St. Catharines, Ontario and how it was trying to cross in to the USA.
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Coyote being fitted with a collar.
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Coyotes on Trail Cameras
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Spencerville, ON Canada
Phone: 613-658-2223 Fax: 613-658-2224 Office Hours Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm |
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