Coyotes
Last Review/Updated: September 21, 2006
Urban coyotes in our midst
Coyotes have adapted to living among people. They are found in cities throughout North America, including major cities in Alberta .
Although city dwellers sometimes hear their night-time howling, most people seldom see these animals. Some coyotes have become accustomed to people in urban environments and may be seen on a regular basis.
Coyotes look like a cross between a fox and a small collie or German shepherd and weigh between 9 and 14 kilograms. They have a narrow nose, large ears and a bushy tail they hold low when running.
They typically live in green spaces that provide them with food, water and shelter, such as park areas and river valleys. In some areas, coyotes regularly make use of back alleys, industrial areas, and other developed areas.
Coyotes are curious, adapt easily and alter their diet to available food sources. They primarily feed on rabbits, mice and squirrels. However, in cities they also eat pet food, garbage, compost and bird feed. Look around your yard; are you providing coyotes with a regular food source?
Prevent urban conflicts with coyotes
Coyotes are an important wildlife species that help control rodent populations. However, their search for food can bring them into conflict with people. Many human-coyote conflicts have involved pets such as dogs and cats. Coyotes can become aggressive if they become accustomed to finding scraps of food in backyards, alleys and schoolyards.
You can reduce potential conflicts with coyotes by taking a few simple preventative measures:
- Dispose of garbage and compost materials in animal-proof containers that have secure lids, or place them in an area that is inaccessible to coyotes.
- Take your garbage out only on collection day.
- Keep a clean backyard by removing seeds, meat, suet for birds and fallen fruit. These attract mice and squirrels, which are prey for coyotes.
- Avoid leaving pet food outside.
- Pick up dog feces and be aware that dog urine may also attract coyotes.
- Keep your cat indoors.
- Walk your dog on a short leash, particularly in areas used by coyotes.
Keep in mind that coyotes are also attracted to ornamental and edible fruit on trees and shrubs in yards and parks, seeds and food left out for birds, and odours from barbecues and garbage cans.
What to do if a coyote approaches
If you encounter a coyote, make the experience unpleasant for the animal. Make it feel unwelcome in your neighbourhood. Even if you are not concerned about coming across coyotes, they should not feel comfortable around us or our homes. The following actions will make coyotes feel unwelcome in your neighbourhood;
- Respond to their presence aggressively by making yourself appear larger; wave your arms overhead, or thrust long objects like a walking stick toward the coyote.
- Throw rocks, sticks or other objects.
- Carry a whistle and blow it to startle the animal.
- Shout in a deep voice and maintain eye contact.
- If the coyote continues to approach, back away slowly and move toward buildings or human activity if the coyote continues to approach.
- Do not turn away or run. This will encourage the coyote to chase you.
Further Information
To hear recorded information about coyotes or to report concerns about the animals in:
The Calgary area, call the Coyote Information Line of Fish and Wildlife Division at (403) 297 7789.
The Edmonton area, call the Coyote Information Hotline at (780) 644 5744.
For further information or assistance with urban wildlife matters, contact a Fish and Wildlife Division office toll-free at 310 0000.
