Did you know that the coyote only has 2 natural predators in the State of Indiana? One would be the Bald Eagle. Actually, the eagle is a predator of coyote pups, not necessarily the adults.  The other natural predator would be human beings. At one time wolves were a natural predator but since Indiana does not have wolves, we might consider the coyote near the top of the food chain. As this predator becomes more familiar with human beings, their natural fear of humans may disappear causing a potentially dangerous encounter.  

Therefore, learning about coyotes may be very beneficial to Indiana residents. What used to be rural predators, the coyote has now become an urban and suburban predator. The coyote can weight from 25 to 50 pounds and is a very opportunistic eater meaning that as more building is done in the rural areas, they move closer to people and the food supply that humans can provide.

Coyotes may pair for life mating in February and the females deliver 4 to 6 pups in April. Males help to raise the pups and provide food for the family until the young are able to hunt for themselves. During mating and birthing it is very important to keep your distance from the coyote. 

Even without natural predators, the mortality rate of the coyote is about 30 to 40 percent of the adults and about 70 percent of the juveniles. Because the range of the coyote can be from 5 to 13 square miles, the risk of collision with an automobile is quite possible. 

Coyotes do serve a purpose. They consume many nuisance pests like moles, voles, mice and rats. The problem is that chickens, ground dwelling birds, and young livestock or small pets are also on the menu. 

To decrease conflicts with coyotes, it is best to not feed pets outside and to clean up spilled birdfeed around feeders to limit rodents from populating the area and making a ready food supply for the coyote.  

In case of contact with coyotes:

  • Do make noise to scare the coyote. 
  • Hazing can be beneficial however do not haze or get close to a female with pups or one that appears sick or injured.
  • Do not panic. 
  • Do not turn your back on the animal but slowly back up. 
  • Do not run which may invite a chase. 
  • Do not let pets out a night and watch young children. 

It is possible to co-exist with coyotes but remember wildlife can be unpredictable.