Independent guides — we are not an exterminator. If someone has trouble breathing after a sting, call 911. Safety basics

Wildlife · Pest guide

Coyotes control

Protecting pets and poultry, and hazing coyotes that lose their fear.

When to call a pro

Coyotes at a glance

Scientific name
Canis latrans
Size
32 to 37 inches body (80–95 cm), 20 to 50 lb
Appearance
Dog-like, gray-brown, bushy black-tipped tail
Where found
Suburbs, parks, golf courses, edges of woods
  • Health riskModerate
  • Property damageModerate
  • Do it yourself?DIY or pro
When coyotes are active Peak: Jan–Dec
  1. Jan Peak
  2. Feb Peak
  3. Mar Active
  4. Apr Active
  5. May Active
  6. Jun Active
  7. Jul Low
  8. Aug Low
  9. Sep Active (this month)
  10. Oct Active
  11. Nov Active
  12. Dec Peak

Low Active Peak This month

Signs to look for

  • Howling at night
  • Tracks and scat along paths
  • Missing poultry or small pets

Call a professional when

  • A coyote that approaches people or shows no fear
  • Repeated attacks on pets or livestock
How to choose a pest control company

Quick prevention

  • Keep pets indoors at night and supervise small dogs
  • Never feed wildlife or leave pet food out
  • Use tall, buried fencing for poultry

Our coyotes guides are being researched. Meanwhile, the profile above covers the signs, the risks and when to call a professional.

Keep coyotes out

  1. Keep pets indoors at night and supervise small dogs
  2. Never feed wildlife or leave pet food out
  3. Use tall, buried fencing for poultry
  4. Haze coyotes with noise and movement

Often confused or found together

All wildlife
Stray Cats Keeping outdoor cats out of gardens humanely, and where to get help with strays. Raccoons Attics, chimneys and trash cans: humane eviction and rabies safety. Rabbits Clean-cut stems and gnawed bark: fencing, repellents and resistant plants.