COYOTE

It's not just the cartoon, "Wile E. Coyote" that give the coyote it's reputation of being a trickster. These canines are very smart and adaptiable. They are able to figure out how to make a home and find a meal anywhere they end up. This week's newsletter is all about the unique skills and characteristics this animal possesses. We will also learn how we can coexist and keep a safe distance.

Learn all about coyotes in this video with animal keeper, Anna Lynn.

Where in the Conejo to Spot a Coyote

Coyotes will be where they can find food. They can be spoted along the open fields hunting for rodents in the open space. They have been seen occationally running through a park hoping to get a bird or grazing rabbit. In some cases, they will even venture through neighborhoods and into backyards eating from pet food bowls or garbage cans.

Please Note: These are wild animals and although they can look and act like our pet dogs, they should never be approached or fed food.

Coyote Caution

By nature, coyotes are fearful of humans, but they are also curious and highly adaptable. Don’t be surprised if they don’t run away when they see you -- they may just be inquisitive.

If you see a coyote in a natural area, there is no need to take action unless the animal approaches you. Keep dogs on a leash and bring small children close to you.

It’s important that coyotes maintain their fear of humans, especially in densely populated areas. If you encounter a coyote that approaches you or if you feel threatened in any way, act big and loud, wave your arms, yell, and clap your hands until the animal retreats. Maintain eye contact.

For more information about how to avoid coyote conflict visit:
https://urbancoyoteresearch.com/coyote-info/how-avoid-conflicts-coyotes

How to Identify
Coyote Tracks

Here’s how you can tell if the tracks you see are coyote tracks.

Coyote tracks front prints are larger than the rear ones. The front paw prints are about 2 1/4” to 2 3/4” long, and about 1 3/4” to 2 3/8” wide. The footpads are smaller in the back prints.

Check for claw marks. Coyote tracks have claws, but they don't show if the ground is too hard.

Overall the footprint is oval shaped. If it is round you are tracking something else, perhaps a bobcat.

If dogs come through the area, compare the tracks to dog paw prints. Coyote tracks will be more oblong, the claws less prominent and overall more compact.

For more information:
http://www.wildlifelandtrust.org/assets/pdfs/living-with-urban-coyotes.pdf

Coyote Families

February through March, coyotes begin looking to start a family. They do this by finding a mate that they will keep for life or until one passes away. Coyote pups are usually born late May or June. A mama coyote usually has between 3- 12 pups. They will depend on mama's milk for the first 4 weeks of their life and then they will eat food thier parents chews for them after that. At about 4 months old they will begin to hunt. About nine months after being born, male coyotes will leave their pack and look to start their own. Each coyote family has a special call they use to call to each other.

Coyote Talk

Coyotes are sometimes refered to as the singing dog due to the amount of vocalizations they have to communicate with one another.

Here are a few "Coyote Call" translations from the book Wild LA

A tentative, huffing woof: "Stay back, partner, until I figure out what you are."

A simple bark: "Warning! Something is out there."

A woo-oo-wow: "Nice to meet you, fellow coyote."

A lone howl: "This is who I am. This is what I am doing here."

A whole pack joining in to yip-yip-yippy: "This is our area, the rest of you coyotes not a part of our pack better stay out!"

Coyote Story Time

Wherever Coyote goes you can be sure he’ll find trouble. Now he wants to sing, dance, and fly like the crows, so he begs them to teach him how. The crows agree but soon tire of Coyote’s bragging and boasting. They decide to teach the great trickster a lesson. This time, Coyote has found real trouble!

ARE YOU AN EDUCATOR?
If you would like this information in a format you can distribute to your class, let's chat! Email Christina at naturekidsactivities@gmail.com

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