The Truth about Coyotes

Being located around the Pine Barrens we have conducted several searches that bring us into them. I have heard this allot " The lost dog will bond with the coyotes" this is absolutely NOT TRUE. The fact of the matter is Coyotes will see a dog as a threat to them and try to kill them. The good thing is that even though there are coyote populations in the Pine Barrens they are few and far between and the chances of your dog being killed by coyotes are slim. Below are some interesting facts about the NJ Pine Barrens and Coyotes

Coyotes have many fur color variations. Generally they are pale brown in color with mixes of gray, black and red in their coats. Their underbelly is white in color. Mostly they resemble a German Shepard in appearance and are of comparative size. Coyotes breed in January through March with 3-10 pups born about 2 months later. The family will remain together at least until the fall of the year. Young females are capable of being bred their first winter.
Found almost everywhere from urban areas to remote forests Coyotes have learned to co exist with mans encroachment into the wild. With a never ending supply of domestic cats and dogs and the recent increase in deer populations the Coyote does not have a lack of food supplies. They also make due with small rodents, rabbits, fruits and berries. They may hunt alone, in pairs or packs at times. Mainly nocturnal they are active throughout the year. A healthy Coyote in the wild may live to reach an age of 13 years.

The NJ Pine Barrens is home to 39 known species of mammals, ranging from more commonly seen animals such as Raccoons and Coyotes to more seldom seen animals such as River Otters.

http://www.pinebarrensanimals.com/Mammals.php

Coyote Attacks on Dogs: How to Prevent Fido from Being Lunch

Protect Your Dog from a Coyote Attack or Mauling

Coyote attacks on dogs are more common than you think. With the urbanization of America, coyotes are no longer found in rural areas - they're living amongst urban residents across the country, hungry and looking for food. Your beloved puppy could be its next tasty snack. Here are a few ideas to keep your beloved dog from being attacked and mauled by a coyote.
Preventing a coyote attack on dogs - In the park:
Keep your dog on a short leash at the park. If you chose to let your pet off its leash or go to an off-leash dog park, keep a close eye on your dog. Dogs love to snoop around in weedy areas and unfortunately these bushy areas are the same areas in which coyotes lurk.

Preventing a coyote attack on dogs - Use caution at night:
From dusk until dawn, keep your dog indoors. When dog needs to relieve himself during these hours, take him outside with you, on a short leash.

Preventing a coyote attack on dogs - Avoid taking your dog on a nighttime walk.
Coyotes hunt for food during nighttime hours and will attack a dog given the opportunity. If you must take your puppy on a nighttime walk, use a very short leash - coyotes fear human contact and will probably leave your dog alone if he is closely tied to you.

Preventing a coyote attack on dogs - Paper train your dog:
Paper training your dog eliminates the need to send Fido outside during prime coyote preying hours and will prevent a coyote attack on your dog.

Preventing a coyote attack on dogs- Install a fence:
A backyard fence will prevent coyotes from entering your yard. The fence should be at least 6 feet high in order to thwart a jumping coyote. Coyotes like to dig, so install vinyl lattice 2 to 3 feet below ground to prevent any tunneling.

Preventing a coyote attack on dogs - Add a Coyote Roller to your fence: A coyote roller attaches to the top of your existing fence. The Coyote Roller prevents a coyote from latching its paws to the top of fence by spinning the animal off, making it lose its footing.

Preventing a coyote attack on dogs - Leave no food in your yard:
Always in search of a reliable food source, once a coyote discovers your backyard has the goodies, he'll be back, probably with his pack. Eliminate any source of food in your yard - this includes:

Pet food: Always feed your dog inside.

Fruit trees and bushes: Be vigilant about cleaning the yard of fallen apples, berries, oranges, and other food.

Garbage cans: Tightly secure the lid. Never let your garbage overflow or leave trash bags out in the open.

Once you eliminate their food source, coyotes will give up and leave your backyard and your dog alone.

Preventing a coyote attack on your dog - NEVER FEED COYOTES.
Coyotes naturally fear humans and rarely will attack. By feeding a coyote, it causes the feral dog to be less fearful of humans, potentially causing a human attack.

Coyotes are found in most areas in the United States, but are most common in Southern California, Arizona, and the Southwestern United States. If you live in an area occupied by coyotes - especially in the Southwestern United States -- it's vital to take these preventive measures to keep your dog from getting mauled by a coyote and being an easy meal.

Some Things to Know About Coyotes

Gardner said that harassing coyotes is the best way to reduce the number of them that hang around people’s homes.

Coyotes are omnivorous, but the bulk of their diet is meat. They catch birds, rabbits, squirrels, mice and other rodents, but they will also go after bigger animals such as deer. In rural areas, coyotes sometimes kill calves, sheep or poultry.

If they can’t find meat, coyotes eat insects (especially grasshoppers), fruit, berries and even garden crops including melons or carrots. They also eat food discarded by humans, including just about any kind of garbage.

All of this spells trouble for pets allowed to roam free. Not only will coyotes kill pets for food, they also kill them because they perceive dogs and cats as territorial competitors.

Attacks on humans are extremely rare, and one factor appears to be the relative size of people to coyotes. The average adult coyote weighs anywhere from 20 to 35 lbs.

While coyotes do not normally approach people, coyotes that show no fear of humans can pose problems.

Cat owners:
• The only way to guarantee a cat’s safety is to keep it indoors. Outdoor cats face potential death from foxes, raccoons, parasites, diseases, dogs and birds of prey such as owls.

Dog owners:
• Always supervise your pet outside, especially at dawn and dusk.
• If a dog must be left outside, keep it in an enclosed kennel with a top.
• Use a short leash when walking a pet. Avoid retractable leashes.
• Do not allow dogs to roam free, play or interact with a coyote.
• Pick up small dogs when coyotes are visible.
• Try to avoid areas where coyote problems have been reported.

If a coyote approaches you:
• Act as big and loud as possible.
• Wave arms, clap, and throw things at the coyote.
• Shout in a loud and authoritative voice.
• Do not run or turn your back.
• Face the coyote and back away slowly while making noise.

The truth about Coyotes

Coyote Attacks on Dogs: How to Prevent Fido from Being Lunch

Protect Your Dog from a Coyote Attack or Mauling