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FAQs: Coyote (Canis latrans) | |||
Updated March 24, 2009
What is a coyote?Coyotes are medium-sized canids in the same family as dogs, wolves and foxes. They are very adaptable mammals. They are generally salt-and-pepper gray or brown with a thick, bushy tail; long, pointy nose and pointy ears. They weigh between 20 and 35 pounds. When running, they carry their tails low. Where are coyotes found?In the past 100 years, the range of the coyote has expanded throughout the eastern United States as their natural predators, such as the wolf and panther, have been virtually eradicated. As their competitors were removed, populations of prey, such as deer, have increased. Coyote sightings are becoming a common occurrence on Florida's landscape. According to a 2007 FWC report, the presence of coyotes has been documented in all 67 Florida counties. Range expansion can be attributed to the coyote's nonspecific needs in habitat and food; large litter size and short gestation time; and decreased competition across its range from other predators. When did coyotes first appear in Florida?Coyotes were introduced in Florida for pursuit by hunting dogs as early as the 1920s; however, evidence suggests that range expansion occurred from west to east across the Panhandle then south through peninsular Florida. It is no longer legal to import coyotes from other states. What are the major ecological impacts of the coyote's increased presence in Florida?As coyote numbers increase in South Florida, their influence on Florida's indigenous prey species, competing predators, livestock and food crops may become a concern. However, populations of coyotes in North and Central Florida have likely reached their natural limit with little evidence of widespread major ecological impact. Coyote impact on some native wildlife has already been seen in North Florida, where predation on endangered sea turtle eggs is a considerable problem. How do coyotes affect the human population?Increased encounters between humans and coyotes are inevitable in Florida. Several reported attacks on dogs by coyotes have occurred over the past few years in Southwest Florida. There have been several reports of coyote sightings in various parts of the state in 2009. One person was scratched on the face by a coyote while protecting her dog. Another dog was attacked. While coyotes usually prey on small mammals, they are intolerant of foxes and will often attack them. Coyotes may view small dogs as competitors or as prey. How can people best protect themselves and wildlife from negative encounters with the coyote?Exercising common sense around coyotes is the best protection against encounters. Pet owners should keep their pets on a leash, especially when in wooded areas. Humans should never feed wild animals. Coyotes in particular look for easy sources of food and will become comfortable in urban settings if they are provided with food. Are there any benefits to the coyotes' presence in Florida?Coyotes may provide an ecological benefit by controlling populations of small predators, such as raccoons, that raid nests and eat eggs. They also prey on crop-eating wildlife. Some biologists believe that coyotes fill the role of red wolves, which have been eradicated from Florida. Is it legal to hunt coyotes in Florida?Hunting and trapping of coyotes is allowed year-round on private lands in Florida. What if a coyote has become a nuisance?The FWC will determine measures to handle coyotes that become nuisances on a case-by-case basis. If lethal control measures are necessary, they should be directed at specific coyotes or toward coyotes in a specific area. A sighting of a coyote does not constitute a concern, because coyotes do exist and will continue to exist near humans. However, if there is a focused problem, there are allowable methods to target specific nuisance animals and areas, such as using a professional trapper or by contacting local animal control agencies. The FWC can issue a Gun and Light at Night or Steel Trap permit for dealing with coyotes on private property and provide information on nuisance wildlife trappers. What are the eating habits of coyotes?Coyotes are known to feed on small mammals, lizards, snakes, insects, grasses, fruit (watermelon, persimmons and wild berries), grains, fish and carrion. They can be a major predator on deer fawns and turkey poults. Turkey hunters often attract coyotes when calling turkeys. They adapt easily to situations where food can be taken with little effort on their part. It is extremely important that humans do not feed coyotes. What are some of the specific behavioral habits of coyotes?Coyotes are elusive. They are more active between dusk and dawn (crepuscular), but can be seen anytime during the day or night. They shy away from humans unless food is a factor. Coyotes can occur singly, in pairs or in small, family groups, depending on habitat quality and food supply. Home ranges typically average 10 square miles. They breed once per year during winter months, denning in thickets, brush piles, hollow logs or burrows. Litters average six pups. Where can I find more information on the coyote?The University of Florida is conducting research on coyotes in South Florida. For more information on coyotes, residents may contact their county extension office or visit the "South Florida Coyote Study" Web site at www.imok.ufl.edu/wild/coyote/index.htm. The FWC Web site, MyFWC.com, has a section with information about coyotes. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service provides assistance for wildlife encounters at www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage or by calling 866-487-3297. | |||
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