Coyotes and Dog Food: A Comprehensive Guide

Coyotes & Dog Food: Yes, They Eat It

Coyotes are highly adaptable canids, known for their opportunistic omnivorous diet. Their ability to thrive in diverse environments, including suburban and urban areas, is largely due to their varied eating habits. This adaptability extends to consuming human-provided food sources.

Coyotes will readily consume dog food, cat food, dog treats, and even dog bones left outdoors. According to Dogster, if these items are left outside regularly, nearby coyotes will likely find and consume them. This makes pet food a significant attractant, drawing coyotes into residential areas where they might not otherwise venture.

Key Takeaways: Coyote Attraction & Risk

Several factors contribute to coyotes being drawn to residential areas and the associated risks. Understanding these can help pet owners mitigate potential conflicts.

• Food Scarcity: Coyotes are more likely to seek out pet food when natural prey, such as rodents, rabbits, and birds, is scarce. This often occurs during specific seasons or in areas with limited wildlife.
• Opportunistic Feeding: Coyotes are inherently opportunistic feeders. They will take advantage of any easily accessible food source, and unsecured pet food falls squarely into this category. As Answers.com notes, their diet is varied, including "dead animals, berries, fruit, pet food, mice, rodents, small mammals, cats, dogs, and birds."
• Increased Presence: Leaving food out increases the likelihood of coyotes frequenting your property. Regular access to food can lead to coyotes establishing territories closer to human dwellings.
• Risk to Pets: Increased coyote presence can elevate the risk of interactions with domestic pets. Small dogs, generally under 25 pounds, are particularly vulnerable as coyotes may view them as potential prey. Biology Insights states that "Smaller domestic dogs, generally under 25 pounds, are viewed through a predatory lens, fitting the size profile of natural prey." This predatory behavior is more pronounced during food scarcity or when coyotes are feeding their young. Larger dogs, however, can also be at risk, as coyotes may perceive them as territorial threats, especially during breeding season or when defending a den site.

Preventing Coyotes: Keeping Food Away

Preventing coyotes from becoming habituated to your property primarily involves eliminating food attractants and securing your yard. Implementing these measures can significantly reduce the chances of an encounter.

• Feed Indoors: The simplest and most effective measure is to always feed pets inside your home. This eliminates the primary outdoor food source that attracts coyotes.
• Remove Outdoor Food: Do not leave pet food or water bowls outside, especially overnight. Even empty bowls can retain food odors that attract wildlife.
• Secure Trash: Use wildlife-proof trash cans with tight-fitting, locking lids. Coyotes are scavengers and will raid unsecured trash cans for food scraps, as mentioned by Answers.com.
• Clean Up Spills: Promptly clean up any spilled pet food or crumbs from outdoor eating areas. Even small amounts can attract coyotes and other wildlife.
• Harvest Fruit: If you have fruit trees, pick up fallen fruit from your yard regularly. Fermenting fruit can attract insects and small mammals, which in turn attract coyotes.
• Secure Compost: Keep compost piles in enclosed, secure bins. Open compost piles are a buffet for coyotes, offering a variety of food scraps.
• Fencing: Install tall, sturdy fences around your property. Fences should be at least 6 feet high, and ideally have a top inward lean or a buried wire (at least 6-12 inches deep) to prevent coyotes from climbing over or digging under.

Tools & Products for Deterrence

While removing attractants is paramount, certain tools and products can further deter coyotes from your property.

• Wildlife-proof trash cans: These are designed with locking mechanisms or heavy-duty construction to prevent animals from accessing the contents.
• Motion-activated lights or sprinklers: These devices can startle coyotes when they enter a specific area, discouraging them from lingering.
• Coyote rollers for fences: These are cylindrical devices installed on top of fences that spin when a coyote tries to get a grip, preventing them from climbing over.
• Secure pet enclosures: For pets that spend time outdoors, consider "catios" (enclosed patios for cats) or dog runs with secure tops and sturdy sides to prevent coyotes from entering.

Risks & When to See a Vet/Wildlife Control

Understanding the risks associated with coyote presence and knowing when to seek professional help is crucial for pet owners.

• Direct Encounters: Coyotes can attack pets. As Biology Insights explains, small dogs are viewed as prey, while larger dogs may be perceived as territorial threats. The Environmental Literacy Council notes that "Coyotes may stalk small dogs as potential prey, especially if they are unattended."
• Disease Transmission: Coyotes can carry various diseases that can be transmitted to pets, including rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and internal and external parasites (e.g., fleas, ticks, worms).
• Habituation: Regularly feeding coyotes, even indirectly through accessible pet food, can lead to them losing their natural fear of humans. This habituation increases the likelihood of bolder behavior and potential conflict.
• When to Act:
• Injured Pet: If your pet has been in an encounter with a coyote, seek veterinary attention immediately, even if injuries appear minor.
• Aggressive Coyotes: If coyotes are showing unusual aggression, such as growling, lunging, or a lack of fear towards humans, contact local animal control or wildlife authorities. This behavior indicates a potentially dangerous situation.
• Frequent Sightings: If coyotes are regularly seen on your property during the day, it suggests they are habituated and may pose a risk. Contact authorities to report frequent daytime sightings, especially if they are not easily scared away.