Coyote

Scientific name: Canis latrans
Biology.
Adult body length (without tail): 36 to 45 inches
Adult body weight: 22 to 50 pounds
Gestation period: 60 to 63 days
Litters per year: 1
Litter size: 5 to 12 young (usually 5 to 7)
Breeding season: February through March
Birthing season: April through May
Age at which young are weaned: 6 weeks
Activity period: Night
Range: 4 to 100 square miles
Primary foods: Small animals, birds, livestock, carrion, insects,
fruits, garbage
Pest status. In agricultural settings, coyotes continue to cause damage to livestock, poultry and certain fruit crops (e.g., melons). Coyotes will attack and kill sheep, calves, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and the infirm or young of other bred animals. In residential communities recently developed from subdivided farmland, woods, hills, prairies and deserts inhabited by coyotes, these predators are known to hunt and kill dogs and cats that are left outside after dark. Coyotes are present in increasing numbers in Ohio.

CONTROL
Exclusion. Residents of housing developments that fit the above description should keep their dogs and cats indoors at night or contained in securely-fenced yards, protected from roaming coyotes.
Coyote barrier fences should be at least 5 1/2 feet high, constructed of no larger than 6 x 4 inch mesh heavy-gauge wire, have outward-angled wire overhangs and buried wire aprons.

Harassment / Intimidation. The installation of bright security lights over corrals, back yards and other sites dramatically reduces the frequency of nighttime predation by coyotes to livestock and pets kept in those areas. Also, having two or more trained (large breed) guard dogs on the property is an effective way to keep coyotes away from livestock. Other guard animals that have shown promise (due to their ability to vocalize when predators approach or kick attacking predators) include donkeys and llamas. One electronic frightening device (i.e., Electronic GuardTM) that shows promise is comprised of a strobe light and siren combination. The device has tested favorably when installed around fenced pastures of sheep. The system is activated at dusk by a photoelectric cell and operates on a variable interval timer.

Live-trapping. One method employed by Rottler technicians to capture coyotes is the placement of Dirt sets using staked leg-hold traps on coyote trails and near den entrances (secured from humans and non-target animals). This constitutes an effective measure for capturing coyotes in rural and new suburban developments. The strategic placement of snares concealed among tall vegetation and brush along trails is another proven method for taking coyotes.