Coyotes On The Move

[dave1949]

Last study I read on a coyotes diet was 60% mice, remainder was everything else. They are opportunist and not to picky, if its easy.

Coyotes, like most other animals, will be seen more during the winter on their search for food. Cold weather increases the heat loss, so the need for nutrition is greater. Survival mode.

I am sure that must account for more sightings this time of year. Before we built here, I would camp out for 2-3 nights while doing some tractor work. I heard coyotes often. Then, after we moved here three years ago, I didn't hear them much at all until this Fall. I thought our dogs (at 110lbs and 140lbs, they couldn't look like an easy meal), were maybe keeping them away. So much for that theory
Dave.

 

[deerefan]

They really get vocal in the cool weather around my place. When they get too close, I fire a gun a couple times into the ground and it seems to shut them up and if I here them again it is usually much further away. The hogs are a bigger problem in my area.

 

[beenthere]

We're in Missouri. I've seen more this year than in the past ..............

Does anyone carry a hand gun for protection "just in case"? Any suggestions as to the size needed?

MoKelly

No, don't carry for coyotes. But anything that makes a noise would do the job and scare them away. Do you have a cap gun? Should do it.

 

[trook]

It has always been my experience that coyotes, if they know you are within 300 yards of them, will haul tail (pun intended) the other way. At least that's the way it is in Mississippi. I guess they don't like people shooting at them.

 

[whistlepig]

I think that is the problem with coyotes where we used to live. It is in the city limits and discharging a firearm is illegal. They have no fear of humans there. A small dog has to be kept on a leash. Just standing by the dog isn't enough. The coyotes will run out of the bush's, snatch the dog, and run back while the owner is watching. I still read the local news there. Coyote's snatching cats and dogs is getting to be a big problem there

 

[ToadHill]

With problems like you describe, I'd be all over the local politicians to get some local hunters to take care of the problem. Depending on local laws you might consider carrying a pellet gun. I have one that will not kill but will put the pellet through the skin and they'll know they've been hit.

 

[tractorski]

we have a pack of coyotes that come through our yard almost every morning(5-6 am) on their way back from the night's hunt. We can hear them quite well, and we see many signs of them, but have only seen them once at night. Never during the day. I think it would be a good idea to find out why they are out during the daylight, i think that is very unusual.

 

[beenthere]

I think that is the problem with coyotes where we used to live. It is in the city limits and discharging a firearm is illegal. They have no fear of humans there. A small dog has to be kept on a leash. Just standing by the dog isn't enough. The coyotes will run out of the bush's, snatch the dog, and run back while the owner is watching. I still read the local news there. Coyote's snatching cats and dogs is getting to be a big problem there

Would you, could you, site a link to the local news reporting on coyotes snatching cats and dogs while the owner is watching? I would like to use that information for support.

The closest I come to this is people thinking that it would be possible. Sounds like you have factual information available.

Thanks.

 

[OcalaPat]

I live in north central Florida and they have been very active lately. Wife and I saw one running accross a pasture last week in the middle of the day. I often hear them yipping out in the fields at night. Sounds like a pack of em.

 

[blueriver]

Dave ... like it or not you may wish to consider having your firearm ready ...