University of Minnesota researchers have found that local coyote populations are leveling off after years of moving into Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Wildlife researcher Geoffrey Miller says there are hundreds of coyotes estimated to be living in the metro currently, and that this shift in habitat has changed things like their hunting behaviors in a major way.
The biggest shift, he says, is it has made them more nocturnal creatures.
"That more nocturnal activity is actually a shift from what you see in natural environments," Miller says. "For example, in Yellowstone, if you're going to track coyotes there, you're going to see them being more active during daylight hours. But to live alongside people, they do have to shift their activity."
Coyotes are wild members of the dog family, intermediate in size between red foxes and wolves. In Minnesota, coyotes average 30 lbs., and stand about 18" high at the shoulders according to the Department of Natural Resources. However, they may appear much larger due to their heavy fur coat, especially in winter.
Miller says ongoing community-led tracking and new maps are being developed to protect the species by teaching residents how to share the urban landscape.
Local conservationist's the population may have reached a "stable plateau."
There are consequences to their presence, however. Miller says their territorial dominance in public parks is creating a problem for the red fox population, forcing them into residential backyards.
"People will ask me, why are these animals living in my backyard when they could be out in this park that's half a mile away? And the answer is typically that coyotes are already living in that park," Miller explains.
He says right now researchers are focusing on educating the public about these urban populations of coyotes and foxes to ensure that these environments remain peaceful for residents and their animal neighbors.
Coyotes in Minnesota are loners, except when families are raising pups. Their primary foods are rabbits and mice, but they are very opportunistic, and will feed on other small mammals, deer, birds, carrion, and even melons.
There is very little danger to the public. Most coyotes avoid people and domestic animals, but occasionally they will kill sheep, turkeys, and calves. They may also raid garbage cans, and kill domestic cats and small dogs if opportunities arise.
If you are concerned about the presence of coyotes where you live, consider the following do's and don'ts from the DNR.
DO:
- secure all garbage containers, wildlife feeders, and other food sources to prevent coyote access
- confine small dogs and cats in kennels, or supervise them when outside
- vaccinate all pets for rabies, distemper, parvo, and other diseases, as recommended by a veterinarian
- consider installing coyote-proof fencing
- harass (by chasing, shouting, etc.) any coyotes that do not immediately run from people
- do not feed coyotes
- do not leave pet food outside
- do not allow cats and small dogs outside, unattended
