Living in Arizona, we come across many critters throughout the year that we pay no mind to. We see them in our backyards, as we drive down neighborhood roads, or as we walk our dogs. From squirrels to bobcats and snakes, critters of all sizes are a constant. However, one species you may not see much of but is still around, is the coyote.
Coyotes are very good at staying in their home territory and keeping to themselves.
Occasionally, though, coyotes may wander into your yard or property, wreaking havoc and causing concern. Why do they do this? When coyotes are prone to avoid humans, why do they pop up in your yard or on your property?
Here are some reasons why you may see a coyote in your yard as well as how to handle an unwanted visit.
Lack of Food
More often than not, coyote sightings occur more in late fall and winter than they do any other time of year. This is in part because there is less foliage and greenery to hide them in the winter.
Because there is less foliage, many small animals have gone into hibernation or found warm areas to hide from the winter chill, but coyotes must venture out of their typical hunting grounds to find food.
This may lead them to yards which contain fallen fruit that lies on the ground, garbage that has been left outside, pet food, and compost. It is not uncommon to see coyotes wandering the streets or snooping through yards in search of food.
Seeking Shelter
Like many critters that find shelter during the winter months, coyotes must do so as well. As foliage dies with increasing cold, there is less natural shelter available which may lead them into font and back yards to secure a spot in warmer conditions. This includes taking up residence under a deck, in a shed, or in any other outbuildings.
Mating Season
From late January to early March, it is much more common to see coyotes out and about. This is their mating season. In their search for a mate, coyotes are more active, venturing out of their normal territory. They may even be attracted to unneutered and un-spayed dogs, causing them to come around your yard more often. The interesting thing about coyotes is that they can remember schedules, so if you walk your dog at a certain time every day, you may see them as they attempt to make contact.
Releasing Their Young
Coyote sightings are also common between the months of September and November. This is the time that coyotes release their young. Around six months after mating season, young are born and old enough to venture out on their own. They may be witnessed crossing streets to their native hunting ground or exploring their curiosity.
What to Do If You See a Coyote in Your Yard?
No matter what time of year you see a coyote, the key is to remain calm. Typically, coyotes are timid of humans and are merely wandering through on their way to search for food. Rarely does deterring a coyote require human intervention.
However, their food source can include small animals like dogs and cats as well as fallen fruit and garbage. If you find yourself needing to remove a coyote from your yard or property, here are a few simple steps you can follow:
Hazing
Hazing is the process of scaring a coyote away without the use of lethal force. Instead of shooting a coyote in your yard and killing or injuring it, you can use these tactics to encourage it to a more hospitable environment:
• Similar to a bear, make yourself as big as possible. Wave your arms over your head and stand on your tip toes.
• Make noise, whether through clapping, shouting in an authoritative voice, or banging pots and pans.
• Throw small stones, sticks, or dog toys. Remember, the goal is not to injure the coyote but to scare it away.
• Spray with a hose. Pressurized water or even a squirt gun can show a coyote the area is not an ideal environment.
Remove Tempting Material
As many coyotes are in yards searching for food, a great deterrent is removing their food source. This means removing any fallen fruit that may have come from trees or bushes. It also means keeping an eye on small dogs who need to take care of business outside and feeding animals inside if possible.
Call Wildlife Removal Services
Despite many hazing and food removal techniques, some coyotes still persist. Food as well as mating season mean that coyotes are more active, and they may be persistent to your yard for some reason or another.
If you find yourself constantly having to haze coyotes, you may need more specialized services dedicated to coyote extraction. At Critter Evictors in Scottsdale, our wildlife specialists have a deep understanding of coyote behavior and ecology and will properly remove and relocate coyotes and other animals in a safe and humane way.
Our coyote removal services are safe, effective, humane and responsibly handled by an experienced removal team.
Responsible Wildlife Removal in Arizona
Coyotes are a natural part of wildlife in parts of Arizona and beyond, so while they typically avoid humans, it is not uncommon to encounter them in your yard or property.
By understanding why coyotes wander onto your property and taking steps to remove them, like seeking expert wildlife removal services from Critter Evictors, you can address the situation effectively and humanely.
If your property is suffering from coyotes or any other critter, contact our wildlife removal services for help. We serve residents throughout Maricopa County and will come out and inspect your property, provide a plan to address the issue as well as safely and humanely removal them. We handle all types of wildlife and critters including bats, squirrels, bobcats, gophers, moles and more. Remain critter free and get a Free Estimate today!