Living with urban/suburban coyotes

Is it a dog or a coyote? Check out those tracks in the snow or mud!

Coyote paw print

Domestic dog paw print

Coyotes have been living in Bloomington for a number of years. They are found throughout the continental United States, Mexico and most of Canada, including most cities. Coyotes are one of nature's ways of controlling nuisance wildlife populations, such as rabbits, small rodents and deer. They generally stay away from people and there have been no reports of coyotes being aggressive towards people in Bloomington or surrounding cities. As they adapt to living in a suburban environment, coyotes may be more comfortable around us but they normally will continue to avoid contact with people.

Identification of coyotes
Urban/suburban coyote ecology and behavior
Prevention and control of coyote problems
Coyote control

Identification of coyotes¹

Overall appearance

With its pointed ears, slender muzzle and drooping bushy tail, the coyote often resembles a German shepherd or collie.

Coloration

Coyotes are usually a grayish brown with reddish tinges behind the ears and around the face, but coloration can vary from a silver-gray to black. The tail usually has a black tip.

Eyes

Eyes are a striking yellow, with large dark pupils, rather than brown like many dogs.

Weight

Most adults weigh between 25-35 pounds. A few big ones weigh in the 42-43 pound range.

¹Coyote identification material and photos © The Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, used with permission.

Urban/suburban coyote ecology and behavior

The scientific study of coyote ecology in urban and suburban habitats is relatively new, and there have been a number of conflicting findings due to differing methodologies, study areas, etc. As research continues we can expect better understanding of the processes at work with these animals. Present understanding on a number of issues includes:

Coyote groups

The social dynamics of coyotes in urban/suburban areas are complex. Coyotes usually hunt alone or in pairs. Coyotes often congregate in larger loose social groups with overlapping home ranges but different territories.

Coyote diet

Although coyotes may eat seeds or berries, they primarily eat other animals, either smaller prey or dead animals. Typical prey include: small rodents, rabbits, raccoons, opossums and deer (fawns or dead adults). It is relatively rare but they may also prey on cats or small dogs.

Times coyotes are active

Generally speaking, urban coyotes tend to be active at night. However, there appears to be no “abnormal” time of day to see a coyote. A number of studies have been done on the question of what time of day coyotes are active in various habitats. Results for urban/suburban areas have varied from nighttime, daytime, dawn/twilight and combinations of the above. It is unclear what factors were involved with these different behaviors.

Coyote diseases

Coyotes, like most wild mammals, may be infected with a number of diseases. The diseases most commonly seen by the public are mange and canine distemper.

Mange: It is not unusual to see coyotes with mange, which makes them appear progressively unkempt and sickly. Mange is transmitted to other animals by close contact, and is not a significant concern for humans or pets.
Canine distemper: Canine distemper is spread by close airborne contact with infected animals. In Bloomington distemper has been established in the raccoon population, with frequent cases seen, especially during the warmer months. Although distemper has not yet been found in Bloomington coyotes, coyotes are known to be susceptible. Distemper is not a problem for vaccinated pets. Although distemper symptoms in coyotes may be somewhat similar to rabies, the disease is not related to rabies.
Rabies: In Minnesota, the rabies reservoir species are skunks and bats. While it is possible for one of these rabies strains to infect a mammal of another species, it will not easily propagate in another species. The Minnesota Board of Animal Health has a record of rabies-positive animals in Minnesota going back to 1975 but rabies-positive foxes and coyotes are grouped into one category and it is impossible to tell what percentage of positive animals are coyotes. In any event, the total number of rabies-positive foxes and coyotes over a 32-year period is 26, or less than 1 per year. In other words, rabies is not a significant issue in Minnesota coyotes.

Prevention and control of coyote problems

Food-associated coyote attractants

Feeding of wildlife, including bird feeding: Feeding of wildlife, such as raccoons, deer, raccoons and squirrels, often attracts coyotes, more for the presence of prey than for the animal feed itself, although they may sometimes eat the feed as well. Even feeding birds, if seed is spilled on the ground or is accessible to squirrels, can serve to attract coyotes. Residents should take care to reduce the risk of attracting any wildlife other than birds by taking steps to keep squirrels out of feeders, and removing spilled food promptly.
Pet food: Pets should be fed indoors whenever possible. If a pet is kept outdoors, it should be fed once a day and the uneaten food removed immediately.
Garbage: Garbage should not be left outside in plastic bags or otherwise unsecured. For garbage pickup days, garbage should be put out that morning if possible.

Habitat availability

Places that can shelter small mammals are likely to attract those animals, which in turn may attract coyotes. Examples include: woodpiles, crawlspaces under decks and sheds, junk piles, unsecured garages or attics, heavy brush and trees, uncapped fireplace chimneys, etc. Removing or sealing up these types of harborage not only decreases the likelihood of attracting coyotes. It can also prevent issues with other wild animals.

Discouraging coyotes from becoming habituated to humans

Although the City of Bloomington has had no reports of attacks on pets or humans by coyotes, owners of small dogs or cats should monitor their pets carefully when they are outside and not allow them to run at large. (This is a violation of City ordinances and puts your smal pets at risk.) Coyotes normally will not bother larger dogs, such as labs, Springer spaniels, etc. Of course, small children should always be supervised when they are outside.

If a coyote has become “too comfortable” around humans, experts recommend making them uncomfortable: chase them off with loud noises, throwing things at them, etc. There are other devices that may frighten or irritate coyotes, such as motion-activated sprinklers.

Coyote control

Coyote control programs are often established in response to public pressure based on perceived -- rather than actual -- threats, and are generally difficult, expensive and of little value. A number of methods have been tried to control coyotes. Most of these methods also present a threat to non-target species, including domestic pets and sometimes protected, threatened or endangered wildlife. Several of these methods also present a hazard to humans, especially children, as well.

Details of the study of urban coyotes in Cook County, Illinois, are available at: The Cook County, Illinois, Urban Coyote Study.

For more information, contact:

Animal Control Unit
PH: 952-563-4942, FAX: 952-563-4667
E-mail: police@ci.bloomington.mn.us

If you have other questions or concerns, you may contact Animal Control via Ask the City.