Nuisance Wildlife - Coyotes

Coyotes are a small dog-like species that belong to the canine family along with dogs, foxes, and wolves. Coyotes are omnivorous and can consume everything from small mammals and insects, to berries and garbage, depending on what is available. They form family units similar to raccoons after a female gives birth to pups, and one coyote family may claim a territory as large as several square miles. Coyotes, like most wildlife, are shy and will avoid contact with humans if at all possible. In urban areas, they may be less fearful because of their regular exposure to human sights, sounds, and smells.

Discouraging Neighborhood Coyotes
Human pets, such as cats and dogs, do run the risk of being seen as a food source for coyotes, so outdoor animals should be monitored if coyotes are known to be roaming the area. Cat and dog attacks by coyotes are rare, and coyote aggression is tempered by the threat of being close to humans.

To discourage neighborhood coyotes from attacking your pets:

• Ensure your animals have a secure place to go at night or are brought inside.
• Remove easy access to food sources, such as birdseed or uncovered trash cans, that may also attract smaller prey animals.
• Invest in products that deter through smell and taste (such as Critter Ridder or Liquid Fence), motion sensing-devices, or fright techniques (such as scarecrows).

Nuisance Coyote Complaints
Nuisance coyote complaints can be handled by professional, private wildlife trappers.

Local wildlife trappers:

• Jeff Lecompte: (985) 637-5615
• Mike Hotard: (504) 352-1097

**Note: TPAS is not recommending any wildlife trappers listed, but merely providing the information as a public convenience.

Anyone interested in becoming a licensed wildlife rehabilitator can find information at wlf.louisiana.gov.

For more information, visit the Nuisance Wildlife webpage or call (985) 873-6709.