Dang Vermin! Stole all the plums! Grrr....

[ponytug]

A short story. The local coyotes have a habit of pooping right near my inner gate. Dead, smack in the middle of my gravel driveway.

I guess - they want to be sure I know that they are still around.

For about four years - one pile of coyote poop always had apricot pits in it. The coyote must have really liked apricots. Nearest apricot tree is over five miles away. This neighbor lost a lot of cots to that coyote.

So curious minds would like to know, what does your place have that makes it so attractive for the coyote to trot five miles over to your place?

In season, we see lots of choke cherry pits in the coyote poop. I've read that the size and the cyanide do a pretty good job of removing internal parasites, but I would like to see some realists on that one.

All the best,

Peter

 

[oosik]

pony tug - there should be, almost, nothing that would attract coyotes to my property. I just think that my place is a waypoint on their natural rounds. The only thing might be my little Cocker Spaniel - Brownie.

But - they have surely learned, by now, that Brownie never goes anywhere outside without me. They still continue to run when I yell - BOO - so all is well.

 

[Runner]

We have four apple trees and four peach trees. If we are real lucky we may get a few pieces of fruit. Deer, birds and ground hogs take most of it. Yes, ground hogs can climb trees and seeing one draped over a branch is a rather humorous sight.

 

[Jstpssng]

pony tug - there should be, almost, nothing that would attract coyotes to my property. I just think that my place is a waypoint on their natural rounds. The only thing might be my little Cocker Spaniel - Brownie.

But - they have surely learned, by now, that Brownie never goes anywhere outside without me. They still continue to run when I yell - BOO - so all is well.

I would add an "m" to the end of that yell.

 

[CalG]

Got 'em before they did!

162# less the flat tare weight.

 

[oosik]

If you live in the country and you don't have - ground hornets, fire ants, pocket gophers, ground hogs or one of a dozen other biting, chomping, stinging critters.

Better have the radiation level checked on your property.

 

[oosik]

I would add an "m" to the end of that yell.

I have NEVER shot at a coyote to kill. They were part of the original indigenous inhabitants and have as much right to be here as I do. Just wish they could help pay some of my property tax.

 

[Jstpssng]

I have NEVER shot at a coyote to kill. They were part of the original indigenous inhabitants and have as much right to be here as I do. Just wish they could help pay some of my property tax.

If they are that close to the house they need to learn respect. I was talking to a woman last week who stepped outside to find one on her deck… that’s too close.

 

[ponytug]

If they are that close to the house they need to learn respect. I was talking to a woman last week who stepped outside to find one on her deck… that’s too close.

Electric net fencing? Dog?

Our current dog runs coyotes down that she doesn't like and bodychecks them, typically tossing the coyote 20-30 feet. It is impressive to see. The first time it happened, I thought it was a fluke, but she has done it repeatedly. We find it interesting that there are coyotes that she will watch and two that she absolutely loathes. Those are the ones she runs down. Both now stay carefully outside the fence, at least while we are visible, while the others will come in to forage and access water.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Jstpssng]

Electric net fencing? Dog?

12 gauge?

 

[oosik]

I find it interesting to watch the coyotes and their habits. They will linger around the outside of my yard. Probably to see if there are any "snacks" actually IN my yard. Then they will trot across my yard. A rather rapid walk.

They don't appear nervous while looking into the yard. However - there is an attitude change when they cross. Don't run but don't dilly-dalley or linger to long.

I do not shoot them. They are one major factor that helps keep all the varmints in check.

 

[1 Old Man]

Agree they help keep the vole, mice, rabbit etc population in check.
But there are no absolutes on proper/perfect coyote management.
My policy is feel free to roam my woods and "back 40". Come around
my house and get shot. I leave them alone, they stay at distance.
I've had them watch me mow etc back pastures, I leave them alone.
I presently don't actively hunt coyotes. However, if they overpopulate,
kill any of my animals, become destructive or aggressive, I would have no
problem thinning the pack.

 

[Jstpssng]

Agree they help keep the vole, mice, rabbit etc population in check.
But there are no absolutes on proper/perfect coyote management.
My policy is feel free to roam my woods and "back 40". Come around
my house and get shot. I leave them alone, they stay at distance.
I've had them watch me mow etc back pastures, I leave them alone.
I presently don't actively hunt coyotes. However, if they overpopulate,
kill any of my animals, become destructive or aggressive, I would have no
problem thinning the pack.

You pretty much summed up my feelings. A few years ago I was at the house eating lunch when I heard a commotion from the pen where my young meat chickens were. Looking out I saw a fox so I picked up a gun and tracked it as it ran along the tree line. I knew that it had kits so didn't pull the trigger.
After lunch I went up to where my laying hens were and found 2 dead chickens, with one paralyzed rooster. She didn't take any birds, just killed them and left.