Humans are the coyote's number one enemy. It has been estimated that about 30-50% of all the grown coyotes that die each year are killed by humans.The coyote is sometimes very helpful to ranchers and farmers, because it eats the rodents who eat the crops and injure many cows and horses. Canis Latrans love to eat insects and have saved farms from an overflow of locusts. These animals help nature stay balanced and in order.
The coyote's interaction with humans is due to the massive loss of habitat. Coyotes are forced to cohabit with people. People need to learn to cohabit with the coyote. If humans were to continue to exterminate this species, they would interupt the eco-system. Coyotes are also interacting with people because the people might be giving the coyotes human food. They could soon think of humans as food resources. Here are some tips for you to follow so that you won't have a late night visitor:
1. If you see coyotes, don't feed them. They could become dependant on humans for food.
2. Don't leave your pets' food outside.
3. Never leave garbage outside where any coyote could reach it.
4. Make sure to close all garbage cans and get rid of the smell. You can use a little ammonia or some cayene pepper in the trash.
5. Restrict the use of birdseeds. Coyotes can be attracted to the creatures that feed there.
6. Eliminate outdoor water sources.
7. Clear and trim near ground level any shrubs that provide cover for the coyotes.
8. Use fencing to help keep coyotes out. It must be at least six inches below ground level so the coyotes can not dig under it. Augment your fence that you have now with outwardly inverting fencing, hot wire, or cement blocks and large rocks.
9. Discourage coyotes by making loud noises and throwing
rocks at them to make them leave.
adapted from: Project Wildlife
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