- How big are they compared to western coyotes?
- Why are they so big?
- How many pups do they have?
- Where did they come from?
- When did they show up in NS?
- Were they introduced?
- Is the population of coyotes in Nova Scotia increasing?
- Why don't we put a bounty on them, or cull them to reduce the population?
- Do coyotes in Nova Scotia carry rabies or other diseases?
- Are coyotes aggressive?
- What should people do to be prepared?
- How can people reduce coyote interactions?
- Do they hunt in packs?
- What do coyotes eat?
- In the history of interactions between humans and coyotes, has there ever been a fatal attack?
- How many people have been attacked by coyotes?
- Is jogging or running an issue?
- Are there wolf/coyote hybrids ?
- What should you do when you encounter a coyote in the wild?
- Why are coyotes also found in urban areas? Have we invaded their home?
- Does the provincial government trap nuisance coyotes when people lose pets?
How big are they compared to western coyotes?
Weights of 314 harvested animals during the 1992/93 season were calculated and an average weight of 27.4 lbs with the largest male weighing 47.8 lbs
Adult male 33.9 lbs
Adult female 27.7 lbs
Why are they so big?
The eastern coyote is basically a western coyote which has picked up significant wolf and dog characteristics through interbreeding. This genetic make up gives the eastern coyote the potential for a much larger body size - twice the size of their close relative, the western coyote
How many pups do they have?
Collections of harvested coyotes in Nova Scotia indicate that average litter sizes are in the range of 5.5 to 6.3 pups. Records show a low of 2 pups and a high of 10
Where did they come from?
These animals dispersed from west to east through Ontario, Quebec, New York and New Brunswick. Crossing the isthmus, they eventually moved from mainland Nova Scotia to Cape Breton crossing the ice-covered Canso Strait.
When did they show up in NS?
The first coyote was trapped in 1977.
Were they introduced?
No, they were not introduced. With habitat changes in North America, such as land clearing, railroad right-of-ways, etc., the prairie coyote in the late 1800's began a range expansion that reached Nova Scotia in 1976. There were probably a few coyotes in N.S. prior to 1976, but people may have assumed sightings to be of dogs running at large.
Is the population of coyotes in Nova Scotia increasing?
The population of coyotes in the province is stable. See graph for harvest and complaint data.
Why don't we put a bounty on them, or cull them to reduce the population?
Bounties do not work. Bounties have been tried across North America without success. It is almost impossible to remove all animals or even to keep a population in check. A bounty instituted in Nova Scotia in 1982 was removed in 1986 when it was apparent that there was no impact on coyote populations.
Do coyotes in Nova Scotia carry rabies or other diseases?
There have been no reported cases of rabies in coyotes in Nova Scotia. Coyotes can carry canine (dog family) heartworm, tapeworm, distemper and mange.
Are coyotes aggressive?
Coyotes are wild and generally avoid people. However, they should be treated as potentially dangerous. Do not approach a coyote.
What should people do to be prepared?
People out in the wilderness should be aware of their surroundings at all times. Other options include making noise, travelling in pairs or groups, and carrying hiking sticks.
How can people reduce coyote interactions?
Make sure garbage is not left laying around, remove pet food, compost, or garbage from outside your doorstep at night. Do not feed wild animals. Do not leave pets unattended or unprotected outdoors.
Do they hunt in packs?
Coyotes do travel and hunt in family units or packs, generally there is a dominate pair with young of the year.
What do coyotes eat?
Coyotes generally eat deer, mice, squirrels, and fruit such as apples, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, and are excellent scavengers.
In the history of interactions between humans and coyotes, has there ever been a fatal attack?
The attack in Cape Breton is the first case of this nature in Nova Scotia. There was a fatal case reported in the United States (California) in 1981 (Timm, Baker, Bennett and Coolahan 2004).
How many people have been attacked by coyotes?
There are 3 records since 1995 of people bitten or attacked in Nova Scotia.
Newspaper article records show that in Canada between 1998-2008, there were 24 coyote-human interactions resulting in injury (14.2% of all reported human-coyote incidents). There were no deaths or serious injuries. Incidents usually involved scratches or puncture wounds (Alexander & Quinn, University of Calgary).
Is jogging or running an issue?
If you encounter a coyote while jogging/running, stop and slowly leave the area in the direction from which you came. Never run from a coyote as it may trigger a predatory response and chase.
Are there wolf/coyote hybrids ?
Eastern Coyotes appear to be genetically distinct; they are not western coyotes nor eastern wolves. The eastern coyote's larger body size has been attributed to past interbreeding with wolves.
What should you do when you encounter a coyote in the wild?
Do not approach the animal(s). Leave the area immediately.
Why are coyotes also found in urban areas? Have we invaded their home?
Coyotes are a relatively new species to Nova Scotia. These animals are very adaptable, and will live in and near human settlements, including urban areas.
Does the provincial government trap nuisance coyotes when people lose pets?
Nuisance wildlife operators are available to capture animals that come into conflict with humans. However, people should keep their pets under control and supervision, preferably indoors or protected in kennels where they cannot be harmed and cannot chase or harm wildlife.