Why are there so many coyotes?

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

I've been doing a little research & trying to figure out what the real numbers are. It seems that the number of coyotes is increasing - even to the point of people seeing coyotes in the cities. Anyone know what the real numbers are? Is there really an increase? If so, why?

[jackelope]

I've been doing a little research & trying to figure out what the real numbers are. It seems that the number of coyotes is increasing - even to the point of people seeing coyotes in the cities. Anyone know what the real numbers are? Is there really an increase? If so, why?

People have been seeing coyotes in cities for a really, really long time.

[PolarBear]

Loss of habitat, fewer successful hunters, increasing numbers of coyotes are becoming "call shy", etc.  Coyotes have always been in the cities but with more restrictive ordinances, they can thrive there more easily.  I have noticed a huge increase over the past few years as well.  I live on and am surrounded by farm land, shoot on average 20+ coyotes per year and that still does not seem to make much of a dent in the population.   

[Special T]

I saw one on NE 8th in Bellview 12 years ago  Down the middle of the 4 lane fat and sassy from all the cats... we wernt but a mile off 405

[boblmc]

Mostly in or near Edmonds all early morning hours. 9 months ago I saw a yote run across Hwy 99 near Burlington Coat Factory, 6 months ago spotted one a block from my house, 1 month ago saw one standing in the middle of Aurora Ave near Woodland Park Zoo, this morning saw one in Woodway.

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

Maybe increased food supply? Garbage or rodents?

[jackelope]

Maybe increased food supply? Garbage or rodents?

All of the above.

Not sure you'd ever find a source with the "real numbers" on coyotes.

I find it hilarious that on the Duvall, WA Facebook page, people get alarmed and post warnings to all the residents when someone sees a coyote. In Duvall. In the country. In dairy farm central. Mind boggling to me  that people don't realize that they live in the country where stuff like that happens. It's only sort of out in the country relatively speaking.
 

[257 Wby Mag]

Trappers don't get after em anymore, fur market for west side and maybe all cohorts is in t he tank.

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

Maybe increased food supply? Garbage or rodents?

All of the above.

Not sure you'd ever find a source with the "real numbers" on coyotes.

I find it hilarious that on the Duvall, WA Facebook page, people get alarmed and post warnings to all the residents when someone sees a coyote. In Duvall. In the country. In dairy farm central. Mind boggling to me  that people don't realize that they live in the country where stuff like that happens. It's only sort of out in the country relatively speaking.

Here in Roy/McKenna/Yelm I think people pretty much expect it. I've noticed a lot of small brown rabbits around the past couple of years and it's fairly common to hear a couple dozen yotes making noises at night & getting the dogs riled up. I know we have skunks, possum, raccoon, rats & mice around because I've seen them. Also found bear scat a couple of times within a hundred yards of the house. Lots of coyotes around this area - just trying to figure out why. Also - if they are feeding on rodents due to the increase in garbage/rats and not deer, what will happen to the rodent population if I take too many coyotes? Just thinking.....

[Bofire]

  interesting bit of info about coyotes breeding habits. The harder they are hunted the more they breed. Kill all you can you'll never make a dent.
Carl

[Skyvalhunter]

The Duvall FB pasting is more of a warning to pet owners as cats and small dogs are an easy meal for coyotes

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

Trappers don't get after em anymore, fur market for west side and maybe all cohorts is in t he tank.

Are west side furs that bad (quality)? I was kinda hoping to do something constructive with them. Also thought about having one stuffed for a conversation piece. Any idea what that would cost and what I need to do to prep it?

[jackelope]

Same here. Listen to the coyotes sing every night.

I don't think you personally could kill too many, or even enough to make a significant dent in the population, unless you're a paid coyote exterminator. I wouldn't worry about your impact on the population.

[jackelope]

The Duvall FB pasting is more of a warning to pet owners as cats and small dogs are an easy meal for coyotes

Well, the way they're worded you'd think Bigfoot and El Chupacabra themselves were running around wild raping and pillaging.

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

interesting bit of info about coyotes breeding habits. The harder they are hunted the more they breed. Kill all you can you'll never make a dent.
Carl

I thought they only breed at certain times of the year (January-February) & breed/have litters based on food availability? Do they breed year around?