Coyotes

Coyotes are very common in Saskatoon and part of our natural urban environment.

While coyotes normally avoid humans, unintentional feeding may change a coyote’s proximity tolerance to people or pets. Urban coyotes may appear quite comfortable around people depending on their level of habituation.

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are part of a balanced ecosystem and help control rodent and rabbit populations. They are members of the dog family, native to North America and resemble a medium-sized dog, with adults weighing 10-18 kilograms. Coyotes are up to 1.5 meters long  and stand about 60 cm at the shoulder (long winter fur often makes these animals appear larger). Males are typically larger than females. Fur colouration can vary from reddish-brown to gray.

Coyotes can be found in urban centers throughout North America. They are most commonly found in open spaces like parks and naturalized areas, but can also be seen in residential neighbourhoods. Coyote sightings tend to increase during the winter months, marked by heightened activity throughout the day and more frequent visits to residential areas. This is particularly true for young coyotes that lack established territories and are actively seeking food and shelter. These animals often seek refuge under decks and other structures, feeding on fruit, birdseed (especially those containing lard or suet) and pet food.

Trapping coyotes can be extremely challenging, as they are highly suspicious of baited cage traps—often leading to the unintended capture of domestic animals instead. Moreover, relocated coyotes typically struggle to thrive in unfamiliar environments. Removing urban coyotes destabilizes their family structure and creates vacancies in their ecological niche, which can encourage new coyotes to move in.

Coyotes and disease

Rabies is rare in Saskatchewan and rare in coyotes. In Saskatchewan the most common carriers of rabies are bats and skunks. Coyotes are not common carriers and are rarely involved in the transmission of the disease to humans or pets. Coyotes can be carriers of canine distemper and Echinococcus multilocularis, a tapeworm that can be found in the digestive tract of coyotes. It is important to vaccinate pets and provide de-worming medication on a regular basis.

Coyotes and pets

Coyotes will occasionally act aggressively towards dogs and cats. Aggression towards dogs is more likely to occur when coyotes have pups in their den. It is not uncommon for a coyote to ‘escort’ or ‘shadow’ a dog-walker out of an area when pups or a den are nearby. Conflict between dogs and coyotes may occur near coyote den sites or in established coyote territory. It is the responsibility of pet owners to supervise and maintain control over their leashed pet when outdoors.

What to do if you encounter a coyote

• Allow the Coyote to Leave: Provide an open escape route for the animal.
• Do Not Approach or Feed: Maintain a safe distance.
• Avoid Turning Your Back or Running: This may trigger a chase response.
• Keep Pets Away: This reduces stress for both the coyote and your pet.
• Use Hazing Actions: To encourage the coyote to leave, consider the following “hazing” techniques:
  • Be Assertive: Maintain eye contact, stand tall and make yourself appear larger. Wave your arms and shout (but don’t scream) as you approach the coyote until it departs.
  • Use Noisemakers: Employ items like an air horn, clanging pots and pans, a whistle or a can filled with coins or pebbles. You can also snap open an empty garbage bag or open and close an umbrella.
  • Throw Projectiles: Use items like sticks, clumps of dirt, small rocks or a tennis ball—throw them toward, but not at, the coyote.
  • Use Liquids in Warm Months: Spray with a garden hose, water gun or water balloons to deter the animal.

If the coyote is acting unusual (approaching people, limping, staggering or acting confused), contact Urban Biological Services at 306-975-2476

 What you can expect from us

1. To monitor and record coyote activity in Saskatoon and place informational signs in areas with high coyote activity, such as den sites.
2. To provide education regarding peaceful coexistence with urban coyotes.
3. To retrieve injured, immobile or trapped coyotes (note that a coyote in a backyard is not considered "trapped").

 How you can help us

1. Appreciate coyotes from a distance.
2. Secure your yard with fencing and ensure that gates remain closed.
3. Do not feed pets outside.
4. Do not leave small pets unattended in backyard for extended periods of time.
5. Clean around barbecues, bird feeders and fruit trees.
6. Remove and prevent potential hiding and den sites.
7. Install motion activated lights.