Buzz
While coyotes play a vital role in the ecosystem, their presence across North America can lead to issues such as harming or preying on domestic animals like dogs or livestock. Coyotes are also known to scavenge through trash. If you're facing problems with a bothersome or destructive coyote, there are methods you can employ to trap them and mitigate the situation.
Steps
Preparing to Capture the Coyote
Selecting the Appropriate Trap. Coyotes are formidable creatures, requiring a trap that is large, robust, and swift. A No. 3 coil-spring trap with a jaw spread of approximately 6 inches (15 cm) is recommended. A trap of size 1.5 is likely insufficient for capturing a coyote.
- Ensure the trap possesses a central swivel and a reinforced base plate. The central swivel minimizes the risk of injuring the coyote's foot by enabling it to pull on a heavy chain attached to the trap's base. Cage traps are ineffective for coyotes as they may avoid them.
- Such traps are available from numerous manufacturers, though some individuals may customize existing traps, such as widening a narrow-jawed trap. This can be achieved by affixing a metal strip along the trap's jaw to increase its width (a process known as laminating).
Identify the Correct Culprit Coyote It's important to target the specific coyote responsible for the damage to avoid catching non-offending family members. You may need to trap multiple coyotes to pinpoint the culprit.
- Male coyotes in their prime (typically between 3 to 5 years old) are usually the ones killing livestock. The dominant male is often to blame, unless only small animals like pigs or poultry are affected.
- There's a common misconception that old female coyotes with pups cause the most damage, but this is often untrue.
Evaluate the Age and Gender of Captured Coyotes This assessment helps determine if the trapped coyote fits the profile of the likely culprit.
- Determining a coyote's age is best done by examining its teeth wear. Focus on the wear pattern of the front incisor teeth located between the canines. Rounded lobes indicate youth. Extreme caution is advised as coyotes can be extremely dangerous. Seek assistance from wildlife experts if unsure.
- Coyotes likely to cause damage typically exhibit worn incisors without rounded lobes, presenting a flat surface across the top.
Adhere to Regulations and Guidelines Various state conservation departments enforce rules for coyote trapping. Strict adherence is essential.
- Regulations vary by state but may include requirements such as daily trap checks, traps made of metal with smooth or rubber jaws, and labeling with the user's name and address.
- Traps must not obstruct pathways used by people or domestic animals like dogs and cats. Some states mandate notification and permission before trap placement on private property.
Setting the Trap
Locate Previous Coyote Activity Sites Set traps in areas frequented by the problem-causing coyote, as they often revisit familiar locations.
- Look for coyote tracks and droppings, particularly near pastures or pens. These are prime trap locations. Setting traps near animal carcasses left by coyotes is also effective. Coyote droppings are small, slightly larger than a cigar and dark when fresh.
- Recommended trap sites include farm or livestock trails, field edges, fence intersections, gateways along farm trails, and open ground. Avoid setting traps under trees or amid dense vegetation, as coyotes tend to avoid such areas.
Select Elevated Locations
Opt for high ground or ridge tops for effective trap placement, reducing the likelihood of unintended catches like raccoons.
- Position the trap upwind of the targeted coyote path to enhance lure effectiveness. Alternatively, deploy multiple traps to cover various wind directions.
- Secure pets indoors before setting traps to prevent accidental captures. Unrestrained dogs and cats may be attracted to the trap, leading to unwanted situations.
Utilize Dirt-Hole Sets Employ this traditional trapping method to ensnare coyotes, requiring basic tools such as a trowel and a bucket.
- Various trap mechanisms, including coil springs or cable devices, can effectively capture coyotes. The dirt-hole set mimics a buried food source, enticing coyotes.
- Ensure proper pan tension in the trap, typically around 4 pounds, by adding weight to the trap's pan. Sand-filled plastic bottles are a suitable option.
Excavate a Hole Dig a hole at a 45-degree angle, approximately 4 inches in diameter and 8 inches deep, preferably beneath grass for added concealment.
- Transfer excavated soil onto a kneeling cloth for organization. Position the trap a few inches from the hole to gauge the required bed size.
- Create an additional hole above ground level to accommodate the trap and stakes.
Positioning the Trap Level and smooth the trap bed, anchoring it securely with a reinforced stake. Employ proper bedding techniques for stability and concealment.
- Use loose soil to bed the trap securely, ensuring it sits approximately an inch below ground level. Install a porous pan cover to prevent soil interference with the trap's mechanisms.
- Pack soil tightly around the trap to create a natural appearance, resembling an animal-dug hole. Apply a layer of dry dirt over the trap for further concealment.
Opt for Flat Set Traps Deploy flat set traps, also known as scent-post sets, along trails or paths frequented by coyotes.
- Select locations with evident coyote activity, such as areas with droppings. Utilize prominent lure objects positioned perpendicular to the coyote's path for maximum effectiveness.
- Bed and cover the trap as with dirt-hole sets, using natural materials like dried grass or leaves for camouflage.
Implement a Stealthy Setup As a final option, consider utilizing blind sets. Place these sets in areas with evident coyote tracks, resembling locations where the coyote has leaped over obstacles like fences.
- Conceal the blind set meticulously, mimicking the approach for a flat set. Position the trap where the coyote lands after clearing a fence.
- Disguise the trap carefully, using small sticks to guide the coyote toward it. Unlike other sets, blind sets typically do not require bait or lure, as the objective is for the coyote to leap directly into the trap.
Capturing the Coyote
Apply Bait, Lure, or Scent Enhance trap effectiveness by utilizing multiple enticing lures. Various options attract coyotes to the trap.
- Popular choices include tainted meat bait (such as beaver, bobcat, or skunk), though efficacy may vary in warmer climates.
- Commercial lures offer a less messy alternative, often containing odors appealing to coyotes, like beaver castor or tonquin musk. Homemade options, such as rotten egg mixtures, are also effective.
- Alternative attractants like sheep wool, coyote gland lure, or red fox urine, supplemented with coyote droppings, can also be utilized.
Extricate the Captured Coyote Some traps are lethal, while others capture coyotes alive. Seek professional assistance for safe coyote removal, considering their potential danger.
- Many jurisdictions mandate euthanasia post-trapping, although some may facilitate relocation. Contact local wildlife or conservation authorities for guidance.
- Exercise caution, wearing thick clothing and protective gloves due to potential diseases like rabies carried by coyotes.
Maintain Trap Hygiene Ensure trap cleanliness for effective reuse, employing appropriate cleaning methods post-capture.
- High-pressure hosing at a car wash effectively cleans traps. Prioritize cleaning before reusing traps following capture.
- Alternatively, soak traps in hot soapy water, scrubbing them with a stiff brush. Rinse thoroughly and air-dry outdoors.
- Commercial dyes like log wood crystals aid in rust prevention. Boil traps in dyed water until they achieve the desired hue.
Exploring Alternatives to Trapping
Resolve Coyote Issues without Trapping Some advocacy groups oppose coyote trapping on ethical grounds and advocate for alternative conflict resolution methods.
- Prevent coyote attraction by eliminating food and water sources in residential areas. Secure garbage, compost, and pet food to discourage coyote visits.
- Water sources like artificial lakes and pet water dishes can also entice coyotes, so minimize their accessibility.
Employ Hazing Techniques to Deter Coyotes Instill fear of humans in coyotes through hazing methods to discourage their presence near residential areas.
- Utilize loud noises or homemade noisemakers to startle coyotes when encountered.
- Appear larger by standing tall and waving arms to intimidate coyotes.
Install Protective Fencing Employ fencing solutions to safeguard livestock from coyote predation.
- Secure net fences with mesh spacing less than 6 inches and vertical spacing less than 4 inches to deter coyotes effectively.
- Consider electric fencing as an alternative, although it requires regular maintenance.
Utilize Guardian Animals Employ livestock guardian dogs to protect livestock from coyote threats, leveraging their size and strength to deter potential attacks.
- Popular guardian dog breeds include Great Pyrenees, Komondor, Anatolian Shepherd, and the Akbash Dog.
- Ensure proper training for guardian dogs to effectively repel predators without endangering themselves.
- Stay vigilant when using guardian dogs to prevent them from being lured into traps by coyotes.
Useful Tips
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Ensure traps are in good condition for optimal functionality. Rusty traps may not operate efficiently.
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Consider avoiding gloves when setting traps, as human scent is familiar to coyotes and gloves can introduce foreign scents.
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Deploy multiple trap sets in areas where coyotes have previously preyed to increase trapping success.
Important Warnings
- Never leave pets unattended outdoors at night, as coyotes are most active during this time and pose a threat to smaller pets.
- Instruct children to avoid petting or approaching coyotes, as they may not fear children as much as adults.
