Are roaming coyotes the new black bears?

KENT — The coyote population is growing in Connecticut, and area residents are going to need to learn to live in peace with them. That was the message in a talk Dec. 1 by Paul Colburn, a wildlife conservationist with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).  

In his talk at Kent Town Hall on Eastern Coyotes he spoke of the importance of learning to cohabitate with the animals, so that we protect ourselves and so we can learn to enjoy them safely. 

Coyotes can now be found in every town in Connecticut, which was not always the case. DEEP studies show that there are now 4,000 to 6,000 animals here, a thriving population.

Colburn described the coyotes as “opportunistic omnivores.”They have a small range in which they roam, between 2 and 10 square miles. They eat a wide range of foods including berries, nuts, vegetation and small animals. 

Many listeners were interested in finding out whether coyotes will attack small dogs and cats.  Colburn shared some stories that indicated that coyotes will definitely prey on small animals left outside a residence.

The stories elicited strong reactions from the audience. Colburn suggested some ways to protect small animals, such as installing protective fencing.  He stressed that it is important not to provide food that coyotes and other wild animals, including black bears, will want to eat. Enticing foods can include seed in bird feeders, compost and garbage.

The howling of the coyotes was a topic of interest to many in the audience, who nodded in acknowledgment as Colburn spoke about the seemingly strange and often frightening noises the animals make. 

He explained that when coyotes howl they are most likely communicating with other members of their pack. They might howl to celebrate the return of a family member, or to alert each other when one of them is missing.  

Or, Colburn said, sometimes they just need to exercise their vocal cords.

His overall tone in the talk was reassuring and he noted that there have only been two reported killings by coyotes.During whelping season (late spring to early summer), coyote pups are born. Coyotes are very protective of their family and can be more territorial and therefore more aggressive during this time.  

Audience members asked what they should do if they encounter a coyote on a hiking trail or on their property.  The animals can be frightened away with loud noises and aggressive movements. Toss a small rock, speak loudly, use an air horn, throw sticks or spray a garden hose. 

Coyote sightings do not need to be reported to the state. Colburn advised that if anyone calls DEEP, a representative would most likely advise you to “enjoy the coyote from a distance.”