Coyotes
Coyotes are very common in Saskatoon and part of our natural urban environment.
While coyotes normally avoid humans, unintentional feeding may change a coyote’s proximity tolerance to people or pets. Urban coyotes may appear quite comfortable around people depending on their level of habituation.
Coyotes (Canis latrans) are part of a balanced ecosystem and help control rodent and rabbit populations. They are members of the dog family, native to North America and resemble a medium-sized dog, with adults weighing 10-18 kilograms. Coyotes are up to 1.5 meters long and stand about 60 cm at the shoulder (long winter fur often makes these animals appear larger). Males are typically larger than females. Fur colouration can vary from reddish-brown to gray.
Coyotes can be found in urban centers throughout North America. They are most commonly found in open spaces like parks and school grounds, but can also be seen in residential neighbourhoods. Due to behavioural changes, coyote sightings increase during the winter months, which can include increased activity throughout the day and greater frequenting residential neighbourhoods. This is especially true of young coyotes which do not have established territories and are seeking food and shelter. Coyotes will seek shelter under decks and other structures and will often feed on fruit, bird feed (especially containing lard or suet), and pet food.
Coyotes are extremely difficult to live trap as they are very suspicious of baited cage traps (one is more likely to catch a wandering domestic animal). In addition, relocated coyotes do not thrive in unfamiliar spaces. Eliminating urban coyotes destablizes their family structure. Elimination also creates a vacancy in the ecological niche; encouraging new coyotes to move in.
Coyotes and disease
Rabies is rare in Saskatchewan and rare in coyotes. In Saskatchewan the most common carriers of rabies are bats and skunks. Coyotes are not common carriers and are rarely involved in the transmission of the disease to humans or pets. Coyotes can be carriers of canine distemper and Echinococcus multilocularis, a tapeworm that can be found in the digestive tract of coyotes. It is important to vaccinate pets and provide de-worming medication on a regular basis.
Coyotes and pets
Coyotes will occasionally act aggressively towards dogs and cats. Aggression towards dogs is more likely to occur when coyotes have pups in their den. It is not uncommon for a coyote to ‘escort’ or ‘shadow’ a dog-walker out of an area when pups or a den are nearby. Conflict between dogs and coyotes may occur near coyote den sites or in established coyote territory. It is the responsibility of pet owners to supervise and maintain control over their leashed pet when outdoors.
If you encounter a coyote
- Allow the coyote to leave by providing an open escape route. Do not turn your back or run
- Act assertive, maintain eye-contact, stand tall, make yourself big, wave your arms and shout (don’t scream) while approaching the coyote until it leaves
- Use a noisemaker, such as an air horn, clanging pots and pans, a whistle, shaking a can (such as a pop can filled with coins or pebbles), snapping an empty garbage bag open or an umbrella popping open and closed
- Use a projectile thrown toward, but not at, a coyote, such as sticks, clumps of dirt, small rocks or a tennis ball
- During warm months, use liquids, such as a garden hose, water gun, or water balloons
- Never attempt to feed a coyote
- Keep pets under control to avoid creating additional stress for the animal
- If the coyote is acting unusual (approaching people, limping, staggering or acting confused), contact Urban Biological Services at 306-975-2476
What you can expect from us
- To monitor and record coyote activity in the City of Saskatoon and place informational signs in areas with high coyote activity, such as den sites
- To provide educational opportunities regarding peaceful coexistence with urban coyotes
- To retrieve injured, immobile or trapped coyotes (note that a coyote in a backyard is not considered "trapped").
How you can help us
- Appreciate coyotes from a distance
- Secure your yard with fencing and ensure that gates remain closed
- Do not feed pets outside
- Do not leave small pets unattended in backyard for extended periods of time
- Clean around barbecues, bird feeders and fruit trees
- Remove and prevent potential hiding and den sites
- Install motion activated lights