Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conferences
Date of this Version
October 1987
Abstract
Conflicts between coyotes and man's activities are varied and include such problems as predation on livestock, agricultural crops, and other wildlife, as well as threats to human health or safety. Formerly restricted to the Great Plains, the coyote's adaptability has enabled expansion of its population throughout most of the United States, Canada and Mexico. This expansion has occurred in spite of large-scale control and/or eradication efforts. In the West, coyote management includes non-lethal as well as lethal techniques. Non-lethal approaches, which have resulted in varying degrees of success, include the use of guarding dogs, fencing, and shedding. In many instances, chronic coyote conflicts have forced farmers and ranchers to convert to alternate types of crop production. Preliminary results of audio-visual scare device research show promise for use in reducing livestock losses in some situations. Considerable research has also been conducted with reproductive inhibitors and chemical repellents but these approaches have not proven to be feasible.