Summer is on its way in Alabama and those of us who live in north Alabama have the typical ‘dog days of summer’ headed our way. Dog days may be defined as the hottest time of the year or a time when we are more inactive and lazy than usual, but these days, we need to be taking action where the dog’s canine cousin, the coyote, is concerned. Coyotes are nothing new for us here in the Tennessee Valley, but nonetheless can be quite a scare for those not from these parts. Let’s look at coyotes.

According to Dr. Mark Smith, Extension Specialist, at Auburn, coyotes (Canis latrans) are everywhere in the state. Yes, as a Regional Extension Agent, I have responded to coyote questions throughout the state, from north to south. With the extirpation of the red wolf and mountain lion from Alabama, coyotes have moved in, and in the last 50 years, they have become the largest carnivore in the state. They range in size from 20-50 pounds, and have succeeded in filling this niche because the coyote is an opportunistic omnivore; in other words, they will eat just about anything. They have been known to eat grass and other light herbaceous vegetation, fruit (including your watermelons), seeds, reptiles, rodents, rabbits, birds, dog and cat food (and occasionally the small pet), carrion, white-tail fawns, sheep, goats, poultry and calves. Recently, research has shown that coyotes do play a role in the decrease of the doe-to-fawn ratio. Large hunting clubs should maintain a trapping program if it desires to grow a large deer herd. Ranchers understand the coyote problem and attempt to minimize losses with guard dogs, donkeys, and llamas.

Coyotes mate in February and March, and pups are born April and May. Pups are born with their eyes closed and are completely dependent upon milk for the first few weeks. The family unit or pack consists of the Alpha male and female, this year’s pups, and possibly last year’s pups if they have not bred. During the fall and winter, the adults chase off the pups to establish new territory and find a mate. In prime habitat (farm/forest cover), coyotes can live in high densities up to 15 per square mile or 640 acres, and they normally live less than three years.

Dangers normally occur when coyotes become habituated to humans. Do not leave pet food out at night. Outside cats and small dogs need a ‘safe spot’ and a fenced yard for their security. Large dogs need to be trained not to follow coyotes into the woods. A good livestock dog will run the coyote away from the livestock but not chase it through the woods. Dogs that roam rural communities are fair game. Should one of a farmer’s livestock die, bury the animal properly. Do not give coyotes a reason to live close to your farm. In the city, keep your garbage in the garage overnight; this is also good advice if you have roaming dogs or raccoons in the neighborhood. Garbage trucks are not running at 4 a.m. Place your garbage curbside during the daylight hours. Any source of food is an encouragement for coyotes to relocate to your property.

Finally, let me put the coyote issue in proper perspective. Nationally 15-20 people die every year from dog attacks, whereas one or two people are non-fatally attacked by coyotes. We need coyotes. Coyotes fill the role that the mountain lion and wolf once filled. Not only do coyotes help keep down the surplus rodent population, they also eat the dead stuff (carrion) that we hate to have around. Coyotes are here to stay; let us learn how to safely live with them.

For information on topics related to the home and garden, contact any office of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. The Limestone County Office is located at 1109 West Market Street in Athens and office hours are 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Phone number is 256-232-5510. Website is www.aces.edu.