Amanda D. Rodewald, Assistant Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Extension Wildlife Specialist
The coyote resembles a small collie dog with its pointed ears, slender muzzle, and bushy tail. Coyotes are predominantly brownish-gray in color, but coloration can vary. Appearances are particularly variable for coyote-dog hybrids. Coyotes have a varied diet, which includes carrion, rodents, deer, insects, and occasionally livestock or poultry. In general, they are opportunistic and will take prey that is easy to secure.
Coyotes are relatively adaptable and able to live in a variety of habitats across North America and into Central America. Although coyotes were once uncommon in Ohio, their numbers have increased in recent years. With population increases, the number of conflicts between humans and coyotes has risen. Conflicts also show seasonal patterns. For example, problems with livestock depredation tend to be greatest in the early spring and summer, partly due to livestock management activities. As with all nuisance wildlife problems and damage concerns, changing your level of tolerance is the easiest solution. However, you must ultimately decide what level of damage warrants action. If you choose to manage your coyote problems, remember that there seldom are quick solutions. The key to success is persistence.
Keep livestock confined or in pens at night. If properly constructed and maintained, net-wire and/or electric fences can help to reduce predation.
Use pastures that have a lower incidence of predation to reduce risk to livestock. Pastures that are adjacent to streams, creeks, and rivers tend to have more coyote problems than pastures away from such features. Herding livestock can reduce predation, because of greater human presence. Sometimes changing the lambing, kidding, or calving seasons to the fall or having them inside of sheds can help. Removing carrion is essential to limiting coyote populations on your property.
Guard dogs, donkeys (only a jenny or gelded jack), or llamas can be very effective at reducing predation. Noise and visual repellents, such as strobe lights, sirens, and propane exploders, can help temporarily. No chemical or odor repellents are registered for use with coyotes.
There are some toxicants that can be used for coyote control. Check with USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services (614-469-5681) for current registration information.
Leghold traps (no. 3 and 4) are the most effective and versatile, but snares may also be effective in some situations. Shooting is effective, and coyotes can sometimes be lured within shooting distance with rabbit distress calls or howling. Be sure to check with state wildlife officials for permit and regulation information.
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