r/coyote • u/burntoutugly • 9d ago
I think I'm in the right place.
So I've spotted a black coyote looking "dog" 4 times. I was very curious and decided to Google "black coyote in NC" Also looking at some pictures on here has me convinced that it actually is a black coyote. My only concern is my chihuahua. I absolutely love the wild life around me, but I also have 2 small kids to worry about. This"dog" bolts anytime it's spotted so I'm not really worried about the kids. I live in a nice quiet area and have deer and opossum and rumors of a bear. What should I be worried about? Should I call a rehabber or just not worry at all? Thanks in advance
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u/HistoryMission1 8d ago
That is absolutely fair. Usually, coyotes will try to stay away, though, so I don't think they're in any real danger from people as long as they're behaving normally and keeping distance.
With coyotes, they usually won't be removed necessarily, but wildlife services could move them if necessary. If they aren’t nuisance coyotes (unafraid and vicious), they probably won't do much, if anything. I can't say for sure, though, because it can be different depending where you are.
Typically loud noises, making yourself seem bigger or not alone, and bright flashing or sudden lights can be an effective deterrent if you feel unsafe.
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u/burntoutugly 8d ago
Is it weird seeing it between 7 and 9 am?
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u/HistoryMission1 8d ago
There are a lot of reasons they are out at that time. Sometimes they're yipping at noon in my area. They aren't always strictly nocturnal, because they are opportunistic hunters. It depends on food sources, when prey is active in the area, and many other reasons. It can depend where you are too.
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u/burntoutugly 8d ago
Ok thanks. You've been very helpful
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u/HistoryMission1 8d ago
No problem. The best way to know what's normal in your area is to talk to local wildlife experts. You could just call wildlife services and ask for information on local coyote behavior
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u/Jeanneinpdx 7d ago
That seems like exactly the time you can expect to see them. That’s about when I’ve spotted them here in my very dense urban neighborhood.
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u/hypothetical_zombie 7d ago
Haze coyotes. Make noise, carry noisemakers - like a can of rocks, get motion sensor lights.
Talk to neighbors about bringing in small pets, food, and water. That way no one's got anything to attract coyotes or encourage them to hang out.
Effective deterrence keeps everyone safe.
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u/dogleesi-24 7d ago
It's rare for them to trap and relocate coyotes. Coyotes are smart and it is really tough to trap them. It's also totally normal for them to live in the area you described. In fact, there are probably several more you aren't seeing. The advice you're getting here is good. Just don't let your small pets out alone. Coyotes, bob cats, owls, eagles all eat small pets.
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u/HistoryMission1 8d ago
Simply seeing a coyote is not cause for concern or need to have them rehabilitated. That sounds like a normal encounter to me, and he or she probably lives in a nearby den. If the coyote is watching you and running off, that is their way of observing and letting you know they also live around there.
Don't leave the teensy ones outside alone, though. They might think of smaller animals as potential food. They ate opportunistic hunters, who will gind a meal the easiest way they can but are often cautious around larger animals (like grown humans often are). Coyotes typically don't go out of their way to bother with humans, but I wouldn't try to engage with wildlife as a general rule.