Coexisting with the Coyote
At issue is the fact that we will have as many coyotes as our city supports, based on food sources available.
One way to discourage coyotes from taking up residence on your property is to cut back brush, again, in part, because it attracts the type of wildlife coyotes thrive on. The recommendation is that lower limbs and branches of shrubs and trees be pruned back to a height of two feet.
Leaving pet food and available water outdoors for your pets has been known to encourage coyote visits. And, above all else, do not deliberately feed coyotes. Surprisingly, the practice is not as uncommon as you might expect. Previous autopsies of coyotes that have been shot due to aggressiveness have revealed partially digested fully cooked steaks and roasted chickens. A coyote that becomes dependent on humans for food may become overly bold and acclimated to people.
Steps to Protect Pets
There are a few things you might want to keep in mind in order to protect your pets. If you like your cat, keep it indoors. All the time. That sounds harsh (maybe even cruel?) but that’s what all the research suggests.
If you have a small dog, be with your dog any time it is outdoors. To be truly safe, the dog should be leashed. Gone are the days when a small dog, trained with an invisible fence, could chase back and forth unsupervised across the lawn, warning you of a dangerous North Oaks jogger or bicyclist in the vicinity.
While outside with your dog, be on alert. Some literature will tell you that coyotes are shy creatures that shy away from humans. On two of the occasions when a coyote entered our yard, it was undeterred by the prospect of facing a person (or a functioning lawn mower).
Encountering Coyote
If you encounter a coyote, try to make yourself appear big and powerful by waving your arms or other objects you may have in your garage – a broom or hockey stick. Make menacing noises and throw something (other than food) at the coyote. Some websites recommend bringing a rock with you when you take your dog for a walk.
Many sources suggest that you resist the urge to run away from a coyote, but, instead, suggest that you walk to a highly populated area (which is not an easy task in North Oaks). Of utmost importance is making the coyote feel unwelcome in your presence.
Currently, North Oaks is logging information about coyote sightings. If you see a coyote, call City Hall at 651-792-7750 to report where and when you saw the coyote. When it comes to coyote reduction, there is no current plan to cull the population. However, individual coyotes that become aggressive or too comfortable in this environment may be eliminated.
This is story was written by resident Lori Delahunt and published in the North Oaks News to educate residents on ways to discourage coyote.
Coyote Presentation
North Oaks residents are invited to a Coyote Presentation on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. This will include experts from the DNR, as well as a follow up from University of Minnesota on their coyote research. The presentation takes place at City Hall, located at 100 Village Center Drive, Suite 150.
If you cannot attend the meeting, we will be taping it and posting it online. To view online, simply click here for quick access to City meetings, as well as the March 13, 2019 informational meeting on Coyotes in our environment.
Additional Resources
An additional source of information about Co-Existing with Coyote may be found by clicking here: Kids in Surrey learn about Co-Existing with Coyotes at school.
DNR information on living with Urban Coyotes.
DNR Coyote Description and habits.