It’s possible to coexist peacefully with coyotes

I must admit, when I first heard the high-pitched yips of coyotes after moving to Marin 10 years ago, I was a little unnerved. Since then, I’ve learned a lot about these apex predators, the important role they play and how it’s incumbent upon my family and me to peacefully coexist with these fascinating animals.

Coyotes are native to California. They’re the third most common fossils found at the La Brea Tar Pits (after dire wolves and saber tooth tigers). Of those fossils, the coyote is the one that survives today, undoubtedly due to their high intelligence and incredible adaptability.

Unfortunately, that means coyotes have learned that people provide an easy source of food. From pet food left outside to unsecured garbage and bird feeders to small pets left outside and even people intentionally feeding them, we’re giving coyotes way too many easy opportunities for food.

According to the National Park Service, “As top-level carnivores, coyotes play an important role in regulating the number of skunks and raccoons, as well as many small rodents. They help to maintain balanced, biodiverse ecosystems. The Park Service continues to see issues with people feeding coyotes across Marin. Food-conditioned coyotes also spend more time along roads, increasing their chances of being hit by cars.”

Many Marin residents who grew up here remark that back in the day they never saw or heard coyotes. Well, they’re right. Coyotes populated the county until the early part of the 20th century when they were systematically — and inhumanely — killed by hunters hired by the county and private ranchers. So, while people may bemoan “the good old days” when one could let their pets roam freely outdoors, those days were engineered to remove a vital part of our ecosystem.

Don’t get me wrong, it is absolutely heartbreaking when a small pet is injured or killed by a coyote. But cats and small dogs left alone outside are at risk, not only from coyotes, but from dog attacks and cars.

Myths abound when it comes to coyotes, so here are a few facts:

• Coyotes are diurnal, so it is normal to see them during the day.

• Coyotes don’t stalk people. They’re curious, so they’ll sometimes watch humans, and they’re extra watchful when protecting newborn pups, so what seems like stalking may be a sign you’re near a den.

• Coyotes vocalize in a layered way, which makes it sound as if there are many in the group when it’s usually just two or three. They rarely vocalize while killing prey.

• It’s unusual for a coyote to attack a large-sized dog. However, if a person unknowingly walks their dog close to a den during pupping season, the coyote may try to escort the dog away — sometimes through a nip on the haunch or leg. Small dogs should always be kept on leash, as coyotes may view them as prey.