Coyote Control | Humane Wildlife Control

Livestock Guardians For Coyote, Wolf, Bobcat & Mountain Lion Control

It is true that coyote, wolf, bobcat and mountain lion control can be accomplished by placing a sharp shooter on your property 365 days a year. You can also hire a trapper to come back over and over again repeatedly, you can even erect hundreds of feet of tall dig proof fencing around your property, or you can go the easier route and simply get a livestock “guardian” such as a Great Pyrenees dog, llama or pygmy, or full size donkey. If you think that putting a pygmy or full size donkey on your property to protect against coyotes, wolves, bobcats and mountain lions killing your chickens or livestock is funny, we don’t blame you for laughing; but once you have seen that super-territorial donkey kick the living tar out of an intruding coyote with its hooves and fight until the coyote leaves, kills the coyote, wolf, bobcat or mountain lion or loses its life protecting your property, you’ll stop laughing and see the value in guard animals.

Coyotes, wolves, feral dogs and mountain lions can and do attack and feed on poultry, sheep, or cattle. The Skunk Whisperer® advocates using guard animals and has often had donkeys from an equine rescue or different ranch placed in pastures to eliminate coyote depredation problems. We strongly suggest that you read a helpful book written by Jan Dohner, Livestock Guardians for more information on the subject.

But not all guard animals are proficient at their jobs. Skunk Whisperer Ned Bruha says “Guard animals are similar to bank security guards. Some of them do their job quite well and keep the riff raff out whereas some others only want to eat doughnuts and hide when intruders enter the property. If you have a fuzzy, fat and lazy bank guard laying down on the job of protecting your property, there is likely a reason for it. Fire that donkey, dog or llama, move it to a different pasture by itself and employ a different one. It’s a tough economy, and there are plenty of other animals out there that would appreciate the job and opportunity”.

Protecting Your Pets From Coyotes, Wolves, Bobcats & Mountain Lions

Make no mistake about it, coyotes, wolves, bobcats and mountain lions are opportunistic animals and if your pet is in the wrong place at the wrong time it is highly likely that they could be eaten – but this applies not only to coyotes, wolves and mountain lions as predators, but to hawks, owls, eagles or even people – all of which can prey upon household pets. But there are some things you can do to help protect them from predators. Do not leave them unattended outside, keep them inside or on a leash when outdoors. Do not feed your pet outside as pet food attracts coyotes, wolves, bobcats and mountain lions and the rodents that coyotes, wolves, bobcats and mountain lions prey upon. You can also “coyote and wolf proof” your yard with a solid six foot wood slat fence with a coyote roller system on the top.

Coyote, Wolf, Bobcat & Mountain Lion Problem Prevention

Coyotes, wolves, bobcats and mountain lions are highly adaptable, curious, shy, non-confrontational, smart and opportunistic. Understanding the facts about coyotes, such as their feeding, reproduction and daily habits, can help you know how to control and prevent problems better too. For more information on coexisting with coyotes, please visit the selected, related articles on this interesting subject including one by the Canadian Broadcasting Company.

By following the below tips, you can discourage coyotes from your property and help avoid problems.

Do not directly or indirectly feed coyotes. Avoid feeding pets outside.
Do not feed the birds or any other wildlife. Bird feeders are a good place for a coyote to find prey, hunt birds and the rodents they attract.
Avoid attracting rodents. Trash containers, compost piles and bird feeders can all attract rats and mice, which then in turn attract snakes. Coyotes eat both rodents and snakes. You can reduce coyote problems by eliminating temptations within their food chain.
Coyotes are opportunistic, do not attract coyotes close to your home by tempting them with pet food or even the pets themselves. Keep your pets on a leash when outside and coyote proof your yard thoroughly.
If you have chickens or other poultry, be ready for flying feathers if your chickens are free-range or your chicken house is not wildlife proof.

If you must walk, play and gather in areas where you are concerned about aggressive coyote activity, here are a few safety tips you may want to consider first:

Coyotes hunt more often at dusk and dawn than any other time, so pay extra close attention to your surroundings during those hours, but be watchful for them at all times just the same.
Walk in small groups and keep children in the middle of the group.
If walking a pet, keep it leashed.
Carry an umbrella so you can open it to potentially scare off an aggressive coyote.
Carry a flasher, flashlight, an alarm or noisemaker, or a gun if legally able. Wave your arms and make noise to frighten them away. If standing still, making noise and if all else fails, you need to decide if your life is more important than the coyote’s life and act accordingly and rationally if it attacks. Recently, a Texas Governor shot a coyote that allegedly threatened his daughter’s dog while they were out jogging and they named a model of a popular conceal and carry weapon after him. Article

Dig DeFence® Animal Control Nuisance Wildlife Barrier

Dig DeFence® products were created to provide an underground addition to fencing that would prevent dogs from digging under the fence. Bruha has taken this product and modified it into a heavier, commercial grade barrier that can be used to prevent wild animals such as coyotes, raccoons and other nuisance wildlife from digging under your fence, home, deck, shed or other vulnerable area. Dig Defence Animal Control can also be used to protect airport runways and prevent hillside erosion.