Yikes - Coyotes!

[Kimberly Daisy Kalli]

Just when potty training was going so well... I'm scared to let our dogs out in the yard.  Yesterday (in broad daylight) my daughter came in the house screaming.  A coyote was running up and down our fence line.  Daisy (2 yr old doodle) was running up and down with it, but she was inside our fence.  I think she thought it was another dog.  After getting the kids in safely, we ran out to bring the dogs in.  Four more came out of the woods behind our house and just stood there.  The coyotes were about 5 feet from my husband and they didn't budge - even when he threw large rock in their direction.  They came back again at night and were howling like crazy.  Our yard is fenced (but deer jump over the fence all the time and we are told that coyotes can jump anything under 6 ft).  Our backyard is about a 1/2 acre and completely fenced.  The poor dogs are only allowed out on a long leash near the back door to go potty with us standing outside to watch for coyotes.

[shelly]

WOW!  That's so scary!  I would not let them out of my sight either.... in fact, knowing me... I probably would be investing in many wee wee pads or a litter box and have them potty in the house!  Is there anyway to get rid of them?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I would be scared to death.  I think you're absolutely right not to take any chances.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

This is very scary.  I would try to extend my fence height if I could - even latice panels would help and they are cheap. The roller thing someone showed looks  like it might work

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Denise, can you send  your DH over.  We have heard them tonight!   Lately we have heard them sevearl times.  Tonight it has been real close--and sounded like they were attacking another animal  :(.

Let your mom know to be careful with her old puppy in the yard 

[Kyoko]

Oh, God!! That is soooo scary!!! Thank god everyone was safe.....

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Yikes is right!!  Oh gosh I would be a nervous wreck, we live in town and I worry about even racoons, but coyotes??!!! 

[Kimberly Daisy Kalli]

Thank you all for the advice and kind thoughts.  We didn't see any coyotes during daylight hours today. I'm still scared and won't be letting the dogs out off the leash for a while.  It's dark now and we can already hear them.  I took each dog on a long walk in town today, so they didn't feel stuck inside (like my poor kids).  I think I'll take all of them to the park tomorrow.

[Donna K & Quincy]

We did not have coyotes in Newfoundland, sadly that is no longer true. Although I have never seen one we do a lot of walking in the woods near our home and it does make me a little uneasy to know they are around.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I think you are doing the right thing keeping the doods on leash and close! I agree with everyone who said that coyotes present a very serious danger to them and the smaller members of the family. Hopefully they will move on soon or when the weather improves will look for meals elsewhere!  All of you take care!!

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

I did just find this article - could be worth at least trying.................

 

Although coyotes generally tend to be wary of human beings, they have been known to stray into residential areas from time to time. Keeping these animals off of one's property is especially important to those with small children, pets and crops. Luckily, a coyote problem can often become a thing of the past by distributing wolf urine throughout your property. 

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yard or area that you want to keep coyotes away from
• Wolf urine (granules or liquid)

1. 1

   Determine the area you would like to secure. Is it simply the garden in your backyard or your entire property? Also, determine how long you would to keep this area coyote-free. Are you just trying to keep them away for a few weeks or for several months?

2. 2

   There are several companies that produce wolf urine for such a purpose, the majority of which can be found online. Local retailers can be checked, of course, but ordering it from the internet may be the most convenient way to find this product. Decide upon the particular product that works best for your situation.

3. 3

   Sprinkle the wolf urine around the areas that you would like to keep free of coyotes. Distribute it around the perimeter of your property or where your children and pets frequently play.

4. 4

   The scent of the wolf urine will then deter coyotes from wandering onto your residence. Wolves are a natural predator of coyotes, so naturally they do want to go anywhere where that particular scent is detected.

5. 5

   Repeat the process every few days to maintain a fresh scent around your property until it is no longer needed. You may want to reapply the substance after it rains.

Tips & Warnings

• Other types of animal urine can be additionally used to deter creatures such as deer, groundhogs, woodchucks and rabbits away from properties.
• Most companies that distribute wolf urine also carry similar products.
• Use this substance with extreme caution in areas with known wolf infestations. While coyotes will be deterred from the scene, wolves will be attracted to it.