Wildlife Damage Management, Internet Center for
Date of this Version
October 2000
Abstract
Odors are frequently used to attract coyotes (Canis latrans) to control devices. Coyote olfactory perception is vital to effectively manage depredation of livestock by coyotes because of the importance of volatile cues to this species. Lures are usually chosen to reflect the biological needs of coyotes as well as relying on food-seeking behaviors to elicit attraction. Anise (Illicum verum) was chosen as the stimulus because of its attractiveness to dogs and its common use as an ingredient in animal foods. Plants comprise a large part of coyotes' diets during warm weather; therefore, a plant odor was chosen to find an effective warm weather coyote lure. Anise was presented in concentrations of 0.0625,0.125, and 0.250%. The intermediate concentration was the most preferred followed by the highest concentration. The conclusion is that anise may be useful as an odor lure and additional tests are recommended.