The reason we were over there was because we were going to ride our motorcycle at a track we found, and then worked on. We were wondering if you could help us out with a few questions, such as:

• How can you tell if it's a male or a female?
• What it was scared of?
• Should we stop going over to our track?
• Should it have been where it was, and if that was the mother what would be their chance of the pups making it to adulthood?

-- J.L. Hunter

Answer: The premise that your big dog scared the coyote is a good one and quite possible. However, coyotes do carry their tales differently from wolves. Normally the tail is held down, although not between the legs. You can tell a male from a female the same way you can any Canid species. If it were a nursing female and you had a view of the flank, you would have seen enlarged teats. I don't think you should abandon your track just because of a single coyote sighting.

Remember, the coyote is likely more afraid of you than vice-versa.

I don't imagine that survival rates are any different for your coyotes than they are here in Arizona, which is about 15-20% of pups surviving to the first year. When it comes to urban coyotes, do not feed them, close your garbage tightly and protect your small pets such as cats and small dogs as they are a coyotes favorite food. Also, make your neighbors aware of your sighting and encourage them to take steps to NOT attract the clever little varmints. - Jerry Feldner

I live in horse property neighborhood in California. My neighbors are in dispute and have a case pending in court regarding the death of a small pony. Their two Rottweiler dogs were immediately accused of the crime just because they live across the street from the property. These dogs are gated in their own yard and seldom escape unless entry is being made by vehicles into their gateway. One of the Rottweiler had a small trace of mud that resembled blood on his snout, so both dogs were imprisoned immediately by Animal Control and presumed to be the murderers.

Several other deaths of small animals and livestock have been noted in the community, especially recently since construction sites nearby have been under development for new homes, clearing prior wilderness areas. The other deaths have been claimed as coyote killings in adapting to their newly forced environment.

The pony was not found dead until two days after it had died. It was found severely mauled. Animal control failed to verify the tracks to be that of dogs or coyotes and claimed that there is no difference. They also claimed that coyotes do not harm anything larger than a rabbit. Although there were no witnesses to the death, Animal Control strongly sides to impound or possibly put down the two Rottweilers even by attempting to represent the owners of the pony legally in court.

We (my family) have known these Rottweilers for years and they have lived across the street from these neighbors for 10 years or better. The animals have never attempted to attack or harm anyone, including small children that entered the premises. They were even taken on business calls with their owner and never became forceful or disobedient in any way.

We are trying to prove the fact that coyotes are very possible suspects in the murder of this pony and return the Rottweilers to their proper owner and out of the 5x5 cage they have been placed in together since March 11th.

Being that you know so much about coyotes and their behavior, we would greatly appreciate any information or past cases regarding this subject. Thank you for your time and help. - Kimberly

Answer: I don't know where in CA you are. I would recommend that you contact both the CA Dept. of Fish and Game and federal US Fish and Wildlife Service to see what can be done about your coyote problem. You should be able to get data about coyote movements in the area and other attacks. Animal control is NOT the agency to go to since they are so bureaucratic and know nothing about science. They are bound by local regulations which are written by local politicians.

While coyotes are normally fairly solitary or roam in small groups, at times they do gang up and attack larger animals. It may not be as a pack but it certainly is as a lot of solitary animals or small groups working together to attack a larger animal such as a pony.

Coyotes are normally very happy to eat small animals such as cats and dogs and squirrels. But, with stupid people living in coyote territory, the coyotes now have access to dog food left outside as well as garbage left unsecured

Also, what kind of a horse owner does not inspect his horses at least once per day ? Why did it take two days for them to discover the dead pony? Don't they feed their animals every day?

You might also want to contact a local university and find a mammalogist who could give some insight about coyote habits. Unfortunately, I do not know anybody in CA who is deeply into the study of coyotes. - Jerry Feldner

More on the above letter from Eric Elliott an ex-Animal Control Officer

On the letter from Kimberly in California concerning the killing of a pony, a few points:

She wrote, "Animal control failed to verify the tracks to be that of dogs or coyotes and claimed that there is no difference." This level of incompetence astounds me. There is a very clear morphological difference between coyote paws and those of domestic canines, and even without a high degree of expertise in animal tracking the difference between the prints of a 30-40lbs coyote and a 95-135lbs rottweiler should be obvious.

She continues, (speaking of the rottweilers) "The animals have never attempted to attack or harm anyone, including small children that entered the premises." Sadly, the behavior that dogs display toward people and their behavior toward other animals can be very different. A dog that is placid and harmless with children and other household pets may be a determined aggressor with wildlife or livestock.

As an expert in coyote behavior, I can assure her that for coyotes to kill an animal the size of a pony would be very unusual indeed. Unless her region had undergone conditions that would have caused a crash in the rodent population or some other event that destroyed the normal food sources of coyotes, the likelihood of them risking grave injury by attacking a large, healthy animal would be nearly non-existent. Every single case of large livestock killing I investigated during my career was found to be caused by dogs or people.

It may not be certain that her neighbor's dogs are responsible, (after all many semi-rural areas are plagued with dogs running at large and attacking livestock... it may have been some other dogs) but it is reprehensible to attempt to make coyotes a scapegoat in the face of the odds.

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Coy-Dog Pup? Robyn Edwards Kirklin, Indiana

Hi! My name is Robyn and I live in Indiana. About a month ago I Rescued a Siberian Husky and five pups out of a fenced in area where someone had dumped them. I nursed them all back to health, and found homes for two of the pups. Momma dog ran off the first day we let her out of the barn. The three puppies stayed with us. About a week later momma came back and took two of the pups with her. Now we have one, and havn't seen her again. I guess my question is, How common is it for a domesticated dog to breed with a coyote? This pup is marked like a coyote, is friendly to me and my boys, very skiddish to quick movement and around my husband, carries his tail at half mass like I've seen coyoteys do. He is tall and skinny like the momma, but to me and every one that sees him, says he is a coyote. Is he something I should be worried about when he gets older? He has adopted us, and momma didn't want him back. At this point in time he sleeps in the house with my Boston Terrier. Should I thake him to the vet and have him fixed and try to domesticate him more? Or is there enough wild there in his blood he will eventially run off? Thanks for your time! Sounds like he is your dog now

City dwellers?? Lisa Pfeiffer Chicago, IL

I am a Chicago Police officer. We have several coyotes living in a large cemetery in the middle of a very noisy and populated area of the south side of Chicago. The other night two of them were out roaming the streets and I responded to a call from a citizen that they were chasing a rabbit down the street in the middle of the night. How did they appear in the middle of a large city??? They followed the Chicago river and canals.

Dining Manners Anne Asbury Silverdale, Washington

What does a coyote do with it's kill? After it has stalked and killed a domestic Yorkie on the Kitsap Peninsula in Western Washington, does it stop and eat it right there? Or take it to the woods? I cannot find any info on eating/consuming kills. How often does a coyote need to eat? Daily? I cannot find a den. I cannot find any trails. I cannot find any scat. I would at least like to find a collar, so I could have some peace. Does the coyote eat everything? Including the bones and fur? Thank you for any info you can give me.

Coyote danger? Patricia Telluride, CO

I live on a high mesa outside Telluride, CO. This winter I have seen several lone coyotes, one in the woods outside my house. Yesterday evening I was running on the dirt road as I normally do, and ahead of me I suddenly heard MANY coyotes howling, with a few yips thrown in. These howls covered quite a broad area, they were not in the same spot. I turned around & ran back, but was at least a mile from any house. A few minutes after the howling, I heard frenzied yips coming from a concentrated spot, which had been directly ahead of me before I turned around, but couldn't see anything of course. I assumed they had been calling each other to bring down an appropriate deer or young elk, & then were successful. My question is this, (I am a female) since I was alone and dispayed all the signs of prey, i.e. smaller than a deer, tired/weak, running, could I have been in danger from a pack? I realize there aren't any reports of coyote attacks on humans, or even wolf attacks on humans. Never-the-less, it was a bit disconcerting. I just recently moved to the mountains.

Coyote danger dusa desert

Coyotes have attacked humans, but it is rare. You alway should some protective device. Wild dogs are bigger danger then coyotes.

Loud Noise Device? Surprise, AZ

I live in Surprise AZ and while walking my dog, I see Coyotes frequently. Although my dog is in the 50 pound range, it still makes me nervous when they stop and watch us and sometime follow. In your Coyote Cautions and Control section on Coyotes, you recommend to have a walking stick or some device that can make a loud noise. What kind of device do you recommend? I just saw an ad in a magazine (usual sales pitch, that it was developed for the U.S. Navy) for a whistle that ¶emits a loud, piercing, 102 decibel sound¾. The question is: if this whistle does emit a sound of the stated decibels, will that work? Iˆve already ordered one and they are very inexpensive. I have a small air horn, but it's clumsy to carry. Thanks, Howard

jumping ability Debbie Smith Dallas , TX

We are trying to build a coyote proof pen for our lab pups. We need to know how high they can jump so we can build it taller than they can jump so they cannot get in. Coyotes can easily leap an 8 foot fence or wall. They have been spotted climbing over a 14 foot cyclone fence. They also can dig under the fence. Once the Labs get older it will not be a problem.

Mountain Lion Urine Mona Sausalito, CA

Hi I was wondering if Mountain Lion urine works as a deterrent? Also, are my cats safe from coyotes if they only go out during the day? ( I live near the Marin Headlands whre there have been coyote sightings) I would not use Mountain Lion Urine, would not work and may attact Mountain Lions. Coyote hunt during the day also, but it is safer then at night.

coyote, or? Holly byron center, michigan

I live in Byron Center, Michigan. I know we have coyote in our woods behind us, but I don't know what this was? It was brown/black spotted and make this really eery sound. At first I thought there were children playing in the field next to us, but it didnt really sound like children and there aren't any around anyways. When all of a sudden this coyotee or whatever it was came out of the brush. Do you know what it could have been? We see wildlife all the time as we have 10 acres. I'm stumped, but it scared me. My dog wanted to go chase it, but I was afraid it would turn on him. Don't know what it was, it could have been a coyotes or a wild dog. Don't know what it was

Fox safety Mary Stump Louisville,Ky.

I live in Lou.Ky.We have several acres of woods behind our house.We have watched several foxes for years go in and out of them. They will sat on the hill and watch everyone.They keep their distance and we enjoy watching them. A coyote has appeared here as well. He runs the foxes and aggreviates all the dogs around. Is he a threat to the foxes? I know he is to the dogs, but we don't want the foxes hurt either.Wild live knows the foxes are here. Thank you,Mary The foxes should be okay.

kill coyotes? Cheyenne Bowling Green KY

we have a pack of coyotes and and lonne coyote and if the pack is out the lone is gone but if the lone is out the pack is not. What are they doing? The pack ganged up on my about 35 40 dog and we had to come out shooting guns to scare we have no trash out all we have is two pet brabbits in a water traghf can they get in and kill them? It has a cage and boards along the sides.will my animals die? They are hunting for food, and your dog was stopping them. One is a family of coyotes a mother and pups. The other one is a male and hunt alone

playful coyote? Awi Oregon

My husband works as a night security guard and one of the sites he patrols is in a wooded area near St Paul, Oregon. (a small city) He came home last night to tell me that he had an encounter with a playful coyote. He was driving the truck they use to patrol the site, very slow (there are gravel roads through the woods) and a coyote (he said it was very large) came out of the woods onto the road. He said it was looking at him, and it started hopping around like it was inviting him to play! It kept giving him looks like a dog would; "well...come on, lets play! Uh, HELLO?!" It was like it was expecting him to play with it and/or feed it maybe? He says it was definately a coyote, he's seen lots of them before. After a few minutes it looked confused and then apparently got bored with him and left. I have only seen one coyote in my life, and it was scared of me as I assume they all would be. Why was this one appearing to be so freindly? I have heard that they sometimes will attempt to play with dogs, but do they ever act that way towards humans? Could this be a CoyDog? I am native American and to us the coyote is known as "the trickster", and I also believe that sometimes spirits can appear as insects or animals, so I am also wondering if this was maybe more than just a regular coyote, and if anyone might know what this means? You are welcome to email me. The coyote may have been fed by someone and now thinks that people are a source of food.

coyote's lure?? elaine Kelowna, B.C. Canada

Do coyotes lure would-be prey?? I was hiking with my Rottweiller this past weekend and he took off after a coyote. The coyote was at least 500 feet from us when my dog took off and I had the impression that the coyote had lured my dog into the chase. The coyote had come out of an area where it was hidden and made itself known...moving back and forth until it was spotted. (from a wooded hill above us) It appeared that the coyote was trying to lure my dog into the wooded area and had he reached it, I am sure even though he is 100+ pounds, he would have been too exhausted to fight off any attack. You would be surprise what your dog can do if he was attacked, Rottweillers will kill coyotes.

coyotes and pups Cynthia Tracy.Ca

I have lived 31 years in the sames house and had never seen a coyote in my neighbor hood.But now I see a mother and her two pups.I go for walks with my 2 1/2 year old granddaughter, should I be afraid? Also ride my bike in the morning. You should not have problems, just be aware of what going on around you.

Held Prisoner Brenda san diego

Our king charles spaniel was taken from our fenced backyard by a coyote. We had just come home and let our two dogs out in our fairly small grassy area. I went in the house to get my laptop, and from the window heard her cry and saw my 30# dog on the tail of the coyote with my smaller dog in it's mouth and jumping over the fence. This coyote looked big, like a german shepard. I came out screaming and throwing things in the hope he would drop her. I couldn't get to her. I am now afraid and won't let my 3yr old, 7yr old or our other dog in the yard without me. We live in San Diego with beautiful weather and I feel like a prisoner in my own home. Are we marked now by this coyote as a future target? My other dog is half french bulldog and half king charles spaniel. He acts tough but really it's all show. Are the coyotes growing in size and # with few(or any?) natural predators to keep them in check? This seemed pretty bold of the coyote, considering the doors were open to a busy, loud, people filled house. How concerned should we be with this coyotes lack of fear towards us? My husband now wants to get an Irish Wolf Hound. He is convinced a coyote would never dare enter a yard with a wolf hound in it. Would this just be a false sense of security? We would like to open our doors again, but I also know the commitment an irish wolfhound is. I feel like either way our life style will have to change--don't want to live in fear but need to protect our girls and dog. What do you suggest? Thank You. ---A large dog will can and do kill coyotes, we have dogs in our area that have killed several coyotes. Large dogs also need to be well trained, so you don't have problems from them.---

coyote danger tom lonecker san diego ca, 92021

Around East County San Diego the local coyote population is being stirred up quite a bit due to on going construction and other human generated disturbances. A result of this disturbance is a large number of coyotes are wandering around housing developments, AND running in packs. Organized packs!! I believe this is partially due to their breeding with domestic dogs. Not only that but they are getting bigger. It is not uncommon to see a coyote tipping the scales at over 50 lbs. And therein lies the problem. Organized hunting. To be specific; 6 to 10 animals working the prey, and literally tearing ot apart. No big deal, right? Now suppose the "prey" is a small child, or an elderly person? Do you think they would have a chance against 6 large predators? It's not a question of "if" that will happen but "when". Best be thinking of a solution NOW!!!. - It may happen, just like when dogs get out of their yards and attack people

Child Attacked Michael Ramsey, NJ

Earlier this past week a 5 year old child was attacked by a coyote in Middletown, NY. I live in Ramsey NJ, which is about 30 minutes south, of where the child was attacked. Yesterday it was brought to my attention by my neighbor that a family (two adults and two pups) live in the heavily dense woods in our backyards. I have a 5 year old daughter who plays in the backyard playground frequently. Any advise on how I should treat this situation? - You need to have adult with her when she is outside.

3 coyotes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! jeanne Surprise, Arizona

We have a pack of coyotes that have lived in our neighborhood for 9 yrs. They have no fear. I am worried about my grandchildren. We have lots of rabbits and no way to control them. Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Coyote that don't fear people are the most dangerous to people. They also may be looking for food, because other people have fed them.

coyote howl Larry D Righi Leechburg, Pennsylvania

hello...my area is southwestern Pennsylvania...there are coyotes here...many people have seen them...my question is...why have none of us ever heard the famous coyote howl that you hear all the time in the western movies...my southern New York friends who have coyotes in their area also have never heard this famous coyote howl either..why is this? We live in rural areas we have woods and wildlife all around us...but our coyotes seem to be silent... -- That is strange. --

Coyote sightings Heather Leonardo, New Jersey

I live at the Jersey Shore. We have never had any coyotes. Lately, we have coyotes running through the streets, attacking 2 small children and killing dogs. The local authorities have killed one, but 2 more coyotes killed a small dog this morning in a suburban neighborhood. Where did these coyotes come from and how do we get rid of them? -- They are going anywhere the can find food, they are difficult to get rid of. -

New neighbors martha lackman Heber City, Utah

We have lived in our mountainous rural community in Northern Utah for 7 years. We have tons of wild life, moose, deer, elk, bobcat/linx, rabbits, and all forms of rodents, birds,etc. In reading some of the postings I have learned much about the behavior. My question is, why now after many years of not even hearing a howl, do we have coyotes in our community. They are fearless and walk our dirt roads in the middle of the day, let alone at dusk when the birds raise a noise and we looked down from our deck to see a small coyote in our own yard. Granted we love this area and we love the wildlife of all kinds. My concern is will the Coyote run off all our moose,elk, and deer? Should we be frightened? Last evening around 1 am they sounded as if they had surrounded our area, with barking, which I didn't know they barked, and much howling. This went on for hours, and even got one of our Labs trying to howl with them. Should we be concerned about our Labs? We have 2 which are outside during the day, and brought into a secured area at night. Should we be afraid?? Any insight you can give would be great. -- The Labs should be okay, the other animals are use to dealling with coyotes. ML

Dining Manners - Ditto Anne Asbury Silverdale, Washington

Is there anyone who can answer these questions? My beloved pet is still missing. What does a coyote do with it's kill? After it has stalked and killed a domestic Yorkie on the Kitsap Peninsula in Western Washington, does it stop and eat it right there? Or take it to the woods? I cannot find any info on eating/consuming kills. How often does a coyote need to eat? Daily? I cannot find a den. I cannot find any trails. I cannot find any scat. I would at least like to find a collar, so I could have some peace. Does the coyote eat everything? Including the bones and fur? Thank you for any info you can give me. I know the Coyotes are here. On my property. We hear them every night, and often see them at mid-day. If we throw our sleeping bags down, and sleep under the stars by the pond, they come around more. -- They eat what and when they can, what they don't eat other animal and bird will finish off, not much will be left to find. Thanks again. They may move there kill up to a mile away to a place where the can eat it.

What is? BriAnna York, Pennsylvania

What is the height and length of a coyote? --- 35 to 40 lbs. 20 to 25 inches tall about about 3 feet long

Cat missing Julie Gig Harbor , WA

Hi, Our cat has been missing for the past 3 days and about 1 week ago we heard a pack of Coyote's barking out in the woods at night. Is there a particular area that they take there prey to eat? Do they usually eat it all? Just to know would be closure. Any tips on trying to find our cat if the Coyote took it would be much appreciated. Also is it safe to let our other cats out in the yard during the day hours? Thanks a lot. Julie --- Coyotes hunt during the day and night. They kill the cat when they catch it, and take it to a safe location to eat.

Coyote Vomit Susan Carpenter Akron, NY

This may sound a little gross but it concerns me. We live in a rural area. we have heard Coyote's for years. This year we now hear them right in our back woods. The other day I noticed a pile of what I would assume is vomit. It was black and light weight. I didn't examine it to closely, I just hosed it off the deck. Now last night I heard what i can only assume was a kill of a racoon or something. My question is does a Coyote vomit up the undesireables after a kill? I can't find anything information on this. I guess it is a weird question. But if it probably was, I would think I should be concerned that I found it on our deck of our house. - ---They vomit what anthing that they want to get rid of, just like a dog does. -

threats to habitat gordon BC vancouver

is there any threats to the coyote habitat? - -- Yes, building and new cities -

Ohio Coyotes Bob Gordon Frazeysburg, Ohio

Hi, I am interested in hunting coyotes in my area. I live in Central Ohio. There is no Closed Season on them. I'v heard about useing calls,but those are exspensive. Can I use rabbits and ground hogs as bait? Should I use a tree stand or use cover on the ground. Just wanting a good hunting plan, before I go out. < -- Sorry we don't have that type of information. -

My Small Dog Alexis Sandusky, Ohio

My small Jack Russel Terrier loves to rome outside in th ewoods and around our 5 acre yard. there is no fence and lately was have seen 4 cyote pups stalking around her at night we also have an outdoor cat. how do we protect ourselcves and pets and scare away the cyotes????????? -- There is no good way to keep them away, a large dog may help.

Camping & Coyotes Stephanie Gilbert, AZ

My husband, three kids & I spend went camping for over the weeked. We also brought our female, 2yr old labrador retreiver. We heard a pck of coyotes several times during the night. At first you could tell they were far away, but as the night hours passed you could tell they were getting closer to our area. My question is did we put ourselves in any danger by bringing our female dog? Does the fact that our dog is a female matter? Would you recommend in the future the dog sleeping in the tent with us or should we leave her in the truck? Thanks for your assistance. Your website has been informative.- -- The dog should be okay with you as long as you don't let him out alone with the coyotes.

Coyote invasion Constance Thalken Atlanta, GA

My neighborhood is experiencing an enormous number of coyote sightings. I live inside the city of Atlanta in wooded a neighborhood that has an exceptional amount of greenspace. My property is 1-1/2 acres and a certified National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat. Adjacent is a 9 acre wooded hillside. Across the street is a 9 acre horse farm. A city park lies adjacent to the horse farm with over 12 acres of greenspace. Another 2 acre NWFBH is on the other side of the 9 acre hillside. A registered GA Audobon Society of 3 acres with a home nestled in the woods is adjacent to it. Large lots typify this area with old growth woods in the back of the lots. Suddenly this spring we are experiencing an enormous number of coyote sightings in our area. People are very concerned and are being told by the local Animal Control and Department of Natural Resources that both can do nothing about the situation. Neighbors have encountered them on the sidewalk along the street, sighted them in the creek in the park, crossing the street and going into the 9 acres of woods, and in their own backyards. We really have been invaded. On my property I have seen 5 times what I think to be an adult female in the woods in the back and once what I think to be a male. Yesterday I discovered a den at the back of an adjacent neighbor's lot where an old barn collapsed years ago and since has been overgrown with ivy. Three pups, utterly beautiful, are now coming out of the den and cavorting on top of the den in the early morning and evening. I presume the coyotes I have seen on my property are their parents. Educational emails about the coyote and how to deal with their presence have been posted on our neighborhood listserves. So everyone seems to be getting educated about precautions -- not leaving food and small pets and children outside, etc. But I have a specific question -- what should my neighbors who have the den in their backyard do about it? The pups appear to be about 10 weeks old. They look healthy, well-fed. My neighbors have long intended to clear the ivy from the woods to extend the play area for their kids and now are highly motivated to do it to rid themselves of the dangers of the coyotes. He has a tiny tractor that he will use. So how do we address this den and the pups? What should our strategy be in ridding the property of the den and its use? A development is slated to occur on 3-1/2 acres of the 9 acres of woods next door to me. We in the neighborhood fought to preserve 50% of this developable land to maintain our wildlife habitats and won. So ....in the near future there will be some development activity that could run the coyotes out of there.....but meanwhile, we all are concerned and increasingly uncomfortable with their presence. Can you give us any advise beyond the established precautions attached to co-existing them? No one wants them destroyed or harmed, but everyone is concerned from a safety standpoint. Thank you for your help, Constance Thalken -- You just have be careful and watch your children. -

coyotes-rattlesnakes pat Leola,SD

Do coyotes kill and eat rattlesnakes on a regular basis? - Yes, but only on a basis of opportunity. Coyotes would much rather hunt and eat rabbits, small rodents and other easy prey. When coyotes encounter a rattler, it takes a lot of work to kill and eat one. They attempt to make the rattler strike many times. Eventually, the snake becomes tired and the strikes are not crisp and well aimed. Then, instead of dodging, the coyote will step aside and bite the snake behind the head, killing it. Coyotes seem to know that rattlesnakes can kill with their bite. -

Mountain Coyotes Elaine Twin Peaks, CA

Thank you for you website and video. I have been enthralled with coyotes since I recently moved to Twin Peaks, near Lake Arrowhead, CA. I've seen them and hear them several times a week. My cat is here with me. At 10:30 one evening last February, my cat got out before I could stop him. 10 mins. later, there was a group of coyotes across the street yelping and yipping. So loud and scary. I shined a flashlight out and caught their eyes. They eventually ran off, but my cat didn't return. Finally, at 6:30 am, he came back! It was a miracle. Why were they across the street? I thought they were celebrating over the prey they had (my cat). Could they smell him? Do they share their food with other coyotes? Or does only one coyote eat a whole cat? Must I keep my cat indoors even during the day? -- Thank you so much. -- They will kill them and take them to a safe place to eat them. Coyotes hunt during day also --

My Coydog? David Garden City, MI

A few years ago my aunt's dog, who lives near Alpena MI, had a litter of puppies and I adopted one from her. I never knew what breed he(my dog) was because my aunt never found out who the father was. After some time, I looked on the internet to find out what breed he was and to my surprise he has a lot of coyote traits,REALLY BIG EARS for example. So, I was wondering is there a way to find out, for sure, if he is a coydog? Check with a vet.

Large dog in coyote area Paul Lewiston, NY

I am about to move down the road in Lewiston, NY but the area apparently has a huge coyote warning and they guy who lived there has killed many. It already sounds like a bad idea but lets say I do move there, I have a golden retriever and I am worried that we wont be able to walk outside. Do i need to worry? When walking a small dog where coyotes are present, take along walking stick or some device that can make a loud noise. The dog should always be on a leash. Large dogs (35 lbs and up) in general are not at risk to a coyote attack.

loud screaming Christy Sterling, MA

Over the weekend, during the day, we heard what sounded like someone or something being murdered in the woods by our backyard. A friend at work told me coyote's scream - that the sound we heard "actually sounded like something was being murdered" were coyote's. Do they scream? I heard some coyotes last night and there were some sounds that were close to a scream. it is a celebration or criticism within a small group of coyotes. Often heard during play among pups or young animals.

Coyote attack Krystal AL

We had a small dog, and she got attacked by an animal. We can't figure out if it was a coyote or not. When we found her she was bleeding and couldn't move, but was still alive. She died later at the vet's office. He said that whatever it was had her in it's mouth slinging her from side to side. My question is do coyotes always eat what they try to kill? Coyotes kill for food, dogs attack for thrill of the conflict and may not intend to kill.

Hairless Coyote? Julie Willow Grove, PA

My neighbor and I saw an unidentified animal running across the street in our wooded suburban Philadelphia neighborhood today. It stopped in the neighbors yard by some rocks and shrubs and seemed to look back at us before we lost sight of it. It was very light gray in color, and skinny with bony ribs showing, and seemed to have no hair whatsoever. At first glance I thought it was a baby deer, which we often see around here, but then thought it might be a dog, but it wasn't either. My neighbor thought it might be a young coyote. Is there such a thing as a hairless coyote? Or, what other animal might this be? It may a sick animal.

Make Them Leave ! Jane Titcomb Holden, Massachusetts

I live in central Massachusetts. I have a den behind my home. There appear to be two adults and three pups. How can I make them leave my property and immediate area? You may want to call animal control to see if they will move them.

cyote spotted fatima north haledon new jersey

hi i just found out from my nieghbors that a cyote was seen near the pool area. i have a five year old and an eight year old, should i be worried ?? they ride bikes outside and i often take them swimming,,, can they attack kids , and do they come near kids if people are around??? im really upset about it .. pleaae let me know thank you Children and adults have been bitten by coyotes in California, Arizona and other states. The most danger is in urban areas where young coyotes have learned to steal and beg for food. If they can't find food, then the small animals in the neighborhood will become their targets to solve their need for food. Children will also be at risk of being bitten.

cat killed Marguerite Pasadena, CA

I live in Pasadena, Ca. I was walking my dogs this morning and saw a severed cat head and entrails on someone's lawn. It was such a disturbing sight! I noticed that there was no blood. It looked like the pieces were just placed there.... I brought my dogs home and 1/2 an hour later I came to the house so I could get the address and contact the police. I am concerned that people did this. When I drove up, I noticed that the remains were gone. I knocked on the door and was told that the owners removed the remains. They assumed this was the work of a coyote. I have my doubts. It looked too clean - and why would a coyote leave the head there and the entrails - with no blood... It did not look like the cat was killed in that spot. I wish I could have had an expert look into the matter, but the owners of the house were very also disturbed by it and I got the feeling they were just done with it. I am concerned about my own pets. Do you think this is the work of a coyote, another animal or people? It does not fit what a coyote would do.

Goats in Wilton Karen Wilton, California

I live in Wilton California,( that is in Sacramento County). We have had 2 goats killed by Coyote's. We lock them in at night after the forst one was killed. This morning less than 30 minutes after we let them out, I walked out to see the coyote on the other side of the fence and one of my 3 month old goats dead. What is the normal hunting time or coyote's? What do you suggest I do to protect my goats? They hunt in the day and night, you may need two good guard dogs.

Coyotes fields Worried Neighbor Garden Priarie, IL

We have a pack of Coyotes that run in the tree line by our house. We live in the middle of farm properties. There is a neighbor that ties up their dog on a cloths line. He is a Lab mix. He weighs about 85 lbs. Sooo cute and friendly, name is Chance. Would these Coyotes attack this poor dog tied up out side? I feel so sorry for him and afraid. They do bring him in the house some times at night specially when it is real cold out or real hot out. There is at least 3 to 4 of the coyotes. There is alot of bunnies and ground squirrels there. I am hopeing they will eat those before they attack the poor dog tied up. At least the bunnies have a half a chance of surviving because they can run. The dog should be okay.

coyote-proof fence andy georgia

I have just installed an 8 foot high wooden privacy fence to keep coyotes from entering my backyard. I have a small dog. I was told that it is very rare for a coyote to climb over an eight foot fence. I have installed a wire apron to keep coyotes from digging under the fence. Is my small dog safe? It should be, put you never know.

A coyote Rayan Sud Mumbai

Where does a coyote live,what does it eat,and what family does it belong to? That information is on our coyote page there is a link at the bottom of this page.

Mini Horses and Coyotes Jessica Atlanta, GA

We live near Atlanta, GA in a rural area. We board our horses and we are interested in getting a Mini horse. We've been advised against it because of coyotes unless we get proper fencing. What can keep a coyote out? Two large guard dogs, that are trained to protect other animals.

Golden retrevire vs Coyote sam

well last wekk 7 of my bunnies got eating by something and we thought it was my neighbors dog but why we thought it was the neighbors dog was we saw something jumping on the other cage but i didnt know if it was a golden retrever or a coyote so we built the cage up so it was of ground but then it got in again 1 week later and there was hair it was golden blonde so my question is DO COYOTES HAVE THE SAME COLOR OF HAIR AS A GOLDEN RETREVRE Did the attacker eat the rabbits, or just kill them? coyotes would have taken them away and eaten them.

coyote control Harriett Lock Carrolltonm Missouri

How can you keep coyotes out of a sweet corn patch? We have had one for several years and this is the first time they have bothered it, eating much of the field. Dogs

Sound Like Tammy Howell, MI

What do coyotes sound like? Do they make a "yelping" sound? I know they howl, but I've been hearing yelping sounds and it sounds like several not just one. Usually the sounds have been in the distance but last night they seemed to be right outside our window. Yes those are sounds the coyotes make.

HELP! HELP! MARY BROOKLYN, NY

This is very, very strange, but we live in the suburb of Brooklyn, New York and have recently notice coyotes in our backyards. Is there anything we can do to get them of out Brooklyn and in a more friendly environment for them. They are a threat to our children, our pets. Who can we call to have them removed. There are about 3 adults and 3 babies. We do not want them hurt, but we would like them removed. Help, help, please. Try calling animal control.

coyote praying molly Palm spring California

I live in Palm Springs. I took my dog for a walk at 9pm tonight. I spotted a coyote when turning to walk back to my house. My first reaction was to run. The Coyote started following me. I've incountered coyotes before and normaly they spot me and my dog who's 50 pounds and they run away from us. I couldn't believe the coyotes behavior the coyotes was clearly stalking us like pray, so I walked into the middle of traffic and started screaming at the top of my lungs and the coyote continued to act like it was following us like pray. I got across the street and the coyote seemed to be smart enough not to run into traffic the coyote waited until the traffic was gone and crossed the street and continued to follow me to Ramone and Sunrise a busy intersection. Finally the coyote turned back towards downtown PS/mountains. This really scared me and I walk my dog early in the morning. What should I do in the future? Why was the coyote so bold? Coyotes, if fed regularly by people, will come to depend on people for their food. They won't starve if you stop feeding them, but they will be hungry and unafraid of people. They can get very aggressive in approaching other people.

Water Problems Terry Ojai, Ca

I have an orchard that uses plastic hoses for irrigation. I am constantly replacing the hoses because the coyotes are always chewing through them. Do you have any suggestions? Perhaps placing a bowl of water for them to drink from instead? I can't seem to water my orchard thoroughly because of this problem. Are you sure it is a coyotes, rats and gopher will also do that.

Coyotes Eat Goats DT Midlothian, Texas (south of Dallas)

We live in a rural area south of Dallas and have 2 acres-part of it wooded. Last month coyotes killed two of our goats and a baby kid. One kid I tried to nurse back to health and took him to the vet and he was getting well but then he died out of sorrow. I scared away one coyote as he was taking away the last of a goat (think there might have been more to get all the goats). We have one goat left and fear for her life. We are being told that donkeys will protect goats from coyotes and scare them off. Will donkeys scare off the coyotes? Our yard is sectioned off into 4 sections so the dog area is different than the goat area. Will it help to have the dogs go into the goat section and "mark the territory" to keep the coyotes away? Thanks for the reply. Kids and goats are some of the livestock that coyotes will attack because of their small size. Others are foals and calves. Coyotes will not normally attack larger animals such as horses or cows. That is one of the reasons to keep donkeys with smaller livestock. They are great protectors but a jennie will probably do a better job than a donkey. The mother instinct tends to kick in and jennies adopt the animals with which they live. It may help to allow the dogs to "mark" the goat pens but I am not sure whether this is a proven tactic. If the dogs are big enough or a herding breed, you may do well to keep the dogs with the goats.

cocker spaniels Shirley Nelson reno, nv

Is a cocker spaniel considered to be a small dog. I am concerned about coyote attacks if I hike with my cockers off leash. They weigh about 25-30 lbs. I live in Reno and hike in the Sierra's and in the desert. I have seen coyote's in our neighborhood eating marmots. Thanks. A cocker is right at the edge of the size of dog a coyote might choose to take on alone. However, having two dogs, especially if they are together, will give a coyote pause. I recommend keeping the dogs on leash on your walks. If they always have been allowed to run free, they may not like or understand the new restriction but in the interests of safety, it makes more sense. If you have a yard, please supervise the dogs when they are out and do not leave petfood outside. Also, make sure garbage cans are securely closed.

Mving to Crestone Phil Schechter Crestone, Colorado

I am about to move to Crestone, Colorado. I have a 190 male, neutered Newfoundland who is trusting and gentle.In Edwards, I have allowed him to stay in front of the house and he will typically greet neighbors and their pets who walk by. When I move to Crestone, I will be 150 yards from a stream and there are no closebye neighbors. I am concerned about letting my dog lay out in front of the house. I would only do allow this when I am aaround, but I could be inside the house. My concern is that my dog could be lured out to a single coyote and attacked by a pack. Am I being paranoid or not? What is the risk? If I had a second large dog such as a bull mastiff, would the two of the them be greatly safer?? And finally, my girlfriend has a fiesty 7 pound terrier (candy!). He would be supervised always, but I wonder if the little guy would be safe enough going to do his business if the other dog(s) were nearby? The coyotes don't want your dog, and should stay away.

Chickens Susan Missouri

We are raising chickens in the Ozarks/Missouri. Something last night got into the chick box--a very heavy wooden box-takes 2 people to lift the lid--and killed all the chicks. Parts of a few chicks were eaten and the rest just left. Do Coyotes kill to just kill? Coyotes kill for food, dogs kill, but do not need the food.

Uhrichsville Ohio Sany Ickes Uhrichsville, Ohio

We live on an old 35 acre farm in Tuscarawas County. The land is no longer farmed but the 2 farms below us do raise livestock. There has been a coyote in the area as witnessed by my husband. He saw it catch a young groundhog about 40 yards from our house. Our concern is, we have a fenced in portion of our back yard to keep our 3 dogs from roaming. We have a beagle, collie mix and a miniature jack russell. How do we keep the coyote from going over or under the fence? We have been keeping close tabs on the dogs when they are out, espscially the jack russell. The animal sounds to be getting closer to the house. We are afraid to even be out at night with the grandchildren. The 2 farms below us have lost a new foal and a calf. What can we do and who should we contact? We do not want this creature harmed if at all possible but we also don't want it living in our midst any longer. Thank you for any help you can offer. The dogs need to be watched when out, maybe even on a leash. The larger dog may keep the coyote away when in the yard.

Coyote Communication John Moilanen Mill Creek, WA

While I have heard the distinct howl of our backyard coyotes I have also heard what I would describe as a low gutteral "cluck" from the coyotees. This occurs during what I would believe to be an active hunt, because the "cluck" is coming from several different positions. (from one ridge to the creek etc.) Is the "cluck" a proper discription of this sound? And what is the communication behind this sound? They use that sound to call the coyote pups.

Small Dog Martha Brentwood, CA.

I have a small 20lb dog in a 6 foot fenced kennel area. She can go in and out of the house via a doggie door. The last few days we have seen a coyote in our yard usually in the early morning or evening. Can/will this coyote jump the fence to get our dog during the day? I believe our dog would bark and growl, but she would definitely be too small to protect herself. You might want to put a roof on the kennel.

Coyote eating habits Gary Rush Erie, CO

Recently I have noticed the remains of cats and rabbits where the head and legs are the only thing left. Since we live in a area with coyote can I assume these were coyote leftovers and do they typically leave those parts behind? Thanks, Gary They leave anthing they can't fit in their mouth. The other animal and insects finish the rest.

i was wondering Brittany Lake havasu city, arizona

Hey.. um.. today we saw a coyote.. uss walk up the street and everything. but wat i was wondering is.. are coyotes scared of people? and i have a female black pug.. she always runs around at nite.. do they eat your pets? but those 2 were my main questions They eat small pets cats and small dogs, only if the can't find other food. Cats that are not afraid of dogs are in the most danger.

Coyote Markings Jessica Pacific Palisades, CA

How do you get rid of coyote markings? We have several coyotes that come up to our house and today one became very close to our dog and thankfully we were able to ward it off. However after our dog had a terrible smell on it and so we gave her a bath. We are keeping the dog inside for the next few days. Is there anything else that can be done to get rid of the markings left in the grass?? Water on the grass will get rid of it. That will not stop them from coming back

haley lake charles,L.A.

i live in lake charles louisiana and recently people have complained of hearing coyotes and thier small animals missing. well we have heard them to. i have a horse and chickens my german shepard the other night was really barking we did not go check but the next morning three of my chickens were gone feathers were everywhere. they sleep in the born.ihave some in a yard fenced. i was wondering will they come back for those? what can we do for precaution. The dog could protect the chickens, unless he likes chickens also. They will come back because the got an easy meal.

Cat Missing Lisa Schindler Edmonton, AB Canada

I live on four acres, outside of the city for the past fifteen years with no past problems with Coyotes taking my cats. I always assumed the cat would be safe with all the trees to climb and easy access into the house (cat door). Three weeks ago my 1 year old cat went missing. When I went looking I found a pile of his hair in the woods close to the house. My worst nightmare is a coyote got him but my question is if I didn't find blood and searched the area well with no other signs is it possible my cat escaped and ran away? Or do Coyotes drag their kill far distances? Help... really need closure but miss my beloved pet terribly and feel guilty. They take their kill to an where they feel safe and then eat it, could be up to a mile away.

Swimming skills Jennifer and James Hughes Alexandria, VA

My 6 year old son wants to know if coyotes can swim? They can, but don't like to go in the water

coyote behavior? deb irving Los Angeles CA

At 10 am this morning I was walking on a trail with my dog and baby - who was in a back carrier. A coyote appeared on the trail in front of us 20 ft or so away. He stood staring directly at us. We made some noise and he did not move. We were at the end of a trail with only one direction to move. There was a port a potty so I stuffed us all in and kicked the door thinking the noise and our absence might make hime leave. 5 minutes or so later we came out and he had not moved. My dog instantly gave chase (which I was trying to avoid!) The coyote ran, luckily my dog did come back. I am wondering what the coyotes behavior meant and how I should have responded? Put your dog on a leash, the coyote may have been fed by someone in the past and wanted to see if you would do the same. Don't run from them, they are to fear you. I walk toward them if I want them to go away. I also have a 125 lbs dog with me who is not on a leash or a video camera they always go away if I get too close.

Sleeping patterns Liz O'Neals, CA

I lost one of my cats 10 days ago. He just disappeared during the daytime. I was home all day and never heard a thing. I truly believed that my 8 kitties were safe from coyotes in the broad daylight, with only rattlesnakes to worry about. I feel so guilty now. These are all very loving pets that I thought I was giving the best life to. Being able to play outside during the day, in the house before 4pm in the summer and 2 pm in the winter and never let out until the sun was fully out. Then they received much affection from us and each other. My heart is broken over this. I have let the others out for a couple of hours in the heat of the day but I have been with them. I live in the foothills of the Sierras in the San Joaquin Valley of California. It was 81 degrees today at 10 am and will easily top 100 degrees today. I have rarely seen a coyote and when I have it has been dusk or dawn. Is there never a time that they sleep? They sleep in the day if they are not hungury. If hungury they will hunt until they get food. Sorry about the cat, we almost lost out cat to a coyote, but arrive in time to chase it away.

Fast Metabolism Liz Foothills, Central CA

The answer to my question about whether coyotes ever sleep was that they do if they are not hungry. Thank you for the answer. I wish I had known before my cat had become a one time meal. I had always been told by locals that they hunt at night. I recall hearing a long time ago that they have a fast metabolism so are basically always hungry. Is this true?

Coyote Diet Rob Maltas Henderson, Nevada

A neighbor claims that the seed pods from the Mesquite tree are a staple in the Coyote's diet and that Mesquite trees will therefore attract Coyotes. Is this true? Those are some of the food that coyotes will eat

Jumping walls Jean Paulus Peoria, Arizona

I live on just east of Sun City,AZ and crossing the main street just in front of me at the exit of my subdivision was a coyote. I have a small dog that goes in and out though a doggie door at will. Our yard is fenced in with a 6 foot brick wall as are all my neighbors. Can a coyote jump over a wall this high? He may be able to get over it, but because can see in, he may not try to get over the wall.

coyote packs Kim Robinson Silver Springs, NV

We live in rural Nevada. For several years I have enjoyed sitting on my deck and watching a coyote couple come and go to their den near by. We even saw the pups one year playing. In any event I love to hear them at night and was wondering. I never see more than one or two coyotes at a time yet at night when they start yelping I have counted at least 6 different voices. Do these guys get together to hunt, then go their separate ways? How do they divide the kills? It hard to tell the number of coyotes by their sounds. A family ( a mother and pups will share their kill. Other will not share.

Coyote Behavior Richard Kramer San Ramon, CA

I live in San Ramon, CA. Around our home are many hilly and undeveloped area where we see several coyotes thoughout the year. I also own two small dogs. One of our dogs (weighing 12 pounds) slipped out of our gate two days ago and is missing. Although I have done all the things I can to contact neighbors, hang posters, contact local animal shelters, etc. I suspect that my dog may have been attacked by a coyote. I have been walking the hills looking for evidence, but not really knowing what to look for. Do coyotes bring their kills to their dens, do they kill and eat it on the spot, or is there some typical killing/eating behavior that you can tell me that may help me find any remains? I'm keeping hope that a neighbor will contact us and my dog will be fine, but in the meantime, I'd like to know what typical killing & eating behavior a coyote may have displayed if it attacked my dog. Your dog is a at risk of being attacked. Once they kill, they will carry off, sometiome as much as a mile, and eat it. What they they don't will be eaten by other animals, birds and insects.

Coyote Howlings Colleen M. Cambria, Ca.

At night I often here what sounds like a pack of coyotes yipping and howling for awhile and them suddenly dead silence, why the sudden silence? Thanks The other animals and bird don't want the coyotes to know where they are.

Predator or Prey? Scott Jones Paso Robles, California

At approx. 8:30 am my girlfriend and I were mountain biking in a remote cattle ranch in the hills of central coastal California. I was about 50 yards ahead of my girlfriend when I turned and noticed a lone coyote following about 20 yards along side her. I stopped riding and watched the coyote continue just ahead of myself. I continued riding towards the coyote thinking I would scare it off, but instead it stopped and started to howl and bark. The both of us started riding at a fast pace away from the coyote which turned and followed us about 25 yards away continuing to howl and bark. I constantly scaned the area for other coyotes but never saw any. The coyote stopped following us after about one mile. Do you think this behavior was protective or predatory? I have seen alot of coyotes on my rides, but never one that actually chased me on a bike going 15 - 20 mph for a mile! Maybe other have fed them and they are looking for the same from you. They, like dogs like to chase things.

will they run from you? Jamie Flowers Paris, Tennessee

My son was told that if you run at a coyote that it will run from you. I told him i didnt know so we found your website and wanted to know if this true. If the coyote is use to people it may not run. They may not want you too close and may protect themself by bitting. In general they will leave if you approch them.

Encountering Coyotes Laura Schenectady, NY

If you are a group of kids exploring in the woods and you encounter a coyote what should you do? Run? Hide? Climb a tree? roll up in a ball? Stand still? Make a lot of noise? Look big? Stay together, and they will leave you alone.

Irish Setters & Coyotes Bill Cody Ft Collins, Co

I live on 5 acres in rural Ft Collins Co, I'm a morning dee-jay and have to get up at 3:30 am to go to work. Well nearly every morning around 2am it sounds like a pack of coyotes are underneath my bedroom window hellbent on waking me and stirring up the Big Red Irish Setters. I'm wondering, since these Setters are between 70 -90 lbs a piece, should I just let them out and have them scare away the coyotes? My dogs are fast and LOUD! Also, like another person asked, how come you hear these coyotes yap and howl so loudly for minutes, then DEAD SILENCE? What's that The dogs may keep them away. They just make the sound when something important is happening for them and it only last for a short time.

Urban Coyotes Annette Anaheim, CA

I live in Anaheim, CA, between Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland, a very urban area. Behind our house is a power line area. We recently noticed that our cats were acting oddly, then I lost one of my pet rabbits and the other was found with a broken foot and mauled back end. After that incident, we started seeing the coyotes who had moved into the power line area. They have killed all the oppossums who lived in my yard, too. For the last three days, we have disturbed a coyote who apparently spends the early morning and/or day sleeping in our yard. He apparently likes the cool and shade that the yard offers. I am surprised that Mr. Coyote has not had our oldest cat as a snack, since the cat is old and frail. Since we learned about our new neighbors (we have seen at least two coyotes), we are bringing in our food and water at night, but that won't help if they are daytime visitors. How do we make our yard unattractive to our new neighbors? We are gone at work all day, so we need something doesn't require us to be present to be effective. Setup a sprinkler to go on in the morning when they are there.

Smelly garbage Justin Middletown, NY

I was walking through the woods the other day and came opon an area full of rock dens and thickets. While i was there I smelled garbage but there was obviously no garbage in the area. My question is could it be coyotes?? Someone told me that when you smell garbage in the area that means your probably close to coyotes. Is this true? Could be many things.

coyote Hiss Ken Willson LaVeta, Colorado

I live in southern Colorado. I was out the other evening close to a pinion woods. We hear coyotes all the time but the other nite I heard a coyote yelping quietly just across the road from me. Suddenly there was a loud fast Hiss...and then nothing. Very spooky sound and very close to me. Could it be a mountain lion? I was on foot and kept an eye on my back the entire walk. I have listened to all the coyote sounds I could find on the net but never heard the hiss (very catlike sound). There was no sound of struggle or another peep from the coyote or another hiss. Ken Don't know what it could have been.

Sudden appearance jodi

We live in a suburb in Northern Indiana and during the past week we have had several coyote sightings in our subdivision. They were previously not seen, only heard howling in the distance. Why would they be coming around so often now? Also is my 14 lb. pug in danger, or would my two 85 lb. labs be enough to scare off a coyote? If the lab is protective of the pop he may be okay.

Quiet Coyotes? Kerstin West Bloomfield, MI

There have been a rash of carcasses (small dogs, cats) found in our neighborhood (a suburb about 1 hour north of Detroit). This week a deer carcass was found with head, bones and skin but nothing else. The rumors around the neighborhood are that it's a coyote and in the case of the deer probably more than one. My question is why has no one heard the coyote(s) since I thought they howled or made other noises quite a bit in order to communicate with each other? With the coyote looking so much like a dog, how would you tell if it is a coyote or not if you only had a fleeting glance? Especially since the neighbors are only saying they've seen the animal from afar and only very quickly. It could be just some wild dogs.

Hike danger? Jeanie Church Dillon, Colorado

I live in Colorado at 9,000 ft. and hike behind my house with my Black Lab/Golden Retriever mix daily. We have hiked the same area for years without any issues. Lately, I have been hearing coyotes when we hike. It sounds like there are several, and they are very vocal (mostly yipping, sometimes howling) when we hike through. I haven't seen any yet, however my dog is off leash while we hike and I'm worried that she may be attacked. She is about 70 pounds, so I know that it is likely that she outweighs the coyotes. However, she is a very mellow dog (a nice way of saying she is a big sissy) and I'm not sure if she would defend herself or not. I'm worried not. If we are ever approached, what should I do? Someone suggested that I carry pepper spray, but I would hate to resort to hurting the coyotes, if I can avoid it. Plus, I'm afraid it might backfire on us. I'm not sure where they've been or why they are here now and I would hate to give up our daily hike. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Coyotes don't pick fights with large dogs unless they are tring to attact their pups.

nocturnal animals kayla Wyckoff, NJ

are coyotes nocturnal? The hunt night and day.

Middle Tennessee J. H. Jackson Near Cookeville, TN

When coyotes kill small dogs/cats, do they eat them or is their purpose simply to kill them? My daughter, in New Mexico, says they never find remains of missing pets. Our small dog was killed but not carried off and I wonder if it could have been racoons in the garden. There is a severe drought in the area following a late spring freeze which has limited the natural food supply in the area. Coyotes eat what they kill.

mule and cyotes robert VA

Our mule keeps getting out at night but we heard cyotes the night before we have a german shepard out side too I was wondering do you thing a pack of cyotes were after our mule or maby a few? No they are out hunting, but not for your mule or dog.

Missing Maltese JoAnn Peoria, AZ

My neighbor cracks open her door for her baby to go in and out of while she is home. Today she left it open as usual and when she went to get the dog in so she could leave, she couldn't find her. She has a 5 1/2 to 6' block wall that is surrounded by a small wash and community landscaping. Her gate to her backyard is locked. The dog was nowhere to be found. The dogs weighted water dish was flipped over. Obviously the dog was not found in the house either. No blood or fur was found. The Maltese was about 8 to 9 lbs. We have seen coyotes in the neighborhood on occasion but not a lot. This was somewhere between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm....do you think a coyote climbed the wall and got the dog with noone noticing and no noise either. I also have a small Maltese as well as a Lhasa Apso and am very frightened by this. I feel like I have to lock their doggy door and walk them outside now instead of them being able to go in and out their doggy door all day. What are your thoughts? My back wall is about 8 to 10' high with community landscaping behind it but my front walls are 5 1/2 to 6'. Sorry to hear about your missing dog, a coyote could get over the front wall and may have been stalking your dog, if a coyote did get it, the coyote would kill it by breaking its neck and then carry somewhere the coyote would feel safe to eat it. There may not be anything left to find.

missing deer chihuahua sharee' nevada,texas

i live in nevada,texas very small town! the other night around 9:00-9:30p.m.i let my two male dogs outside,the bigger one that i have raise from a puppy that is about 5 yrs old,did not return back,and he always comes back cause they know they will get a treat! we have spotted coyotes alot,i do notice alot of missing cats,but there was a big lab,another med size dog,i found and took in,also our little puppy chihuahua thats about 7moms old,when i call their name all of them except my favorite dog coco he's the size of a small jack russell,was nowhere to be found. no fur no blood.nothing i feel so bad i did not watch them outside,but they have always been fine.everyone around knows he's my dog.we looked with flashlights,yelled his name i have put up posters its going on the 3rd day missing.do you think a coyote got him with the other dogs being around.should i look atleast a mile in the field?would there be any remains.i just hate not knowing what happen.he was my best buddy.i'm sick and he is what has help me so much to deal with my illness.missing my friend so much,maybe hearing something from you will help,thanks so much Sorry to hear about your missing dog, A coyote may have been stalking your dog, if a coyote did get it, the coyote would kill it by breaking its neck and then carry somewhere the coyote would feel safe to eat it. Your dog may have left the safety of your other dogs. There may not be anything left to find.

Border Collie attacked by coyote Marti White Mountains, Arizona

Six days ago my dog came home and would not let anyone near her, she was covered in mud. After two days she allowed me to touch her. She appeared to have a cut on both hips. The cuts appeared to open and I could I could see raw skin. These places grew rapidly. When I took her to our vet he said she had been attacked. After he shaved most of her body he said she looked like she had been attacked by coyotes and could