Coyotes can be found statewide in just about any type of habitat in Michigan, including urban and suburban neighborhoods, and certainly coyotes are found in Northern Michigan. People often unintentionally create excellent habitat for adaptable wildlife like coyote, fox, rabbit, squirrel, deer, geese and turkey, making it easier for these animals to expand beyond traditional wildlife habitat boundaries. While they’re an integral part of our ecosystem, coyotes can quickly become a nuisance to people.
“If there is an unwelcome coyote visiting the area, the first thing to consider is what the coyote might find appealing about the location. Is there a nearby patch of woods or natural area that might provide shelter? Are there food sources available, such as bird feeders, that attract small mammals or an abundance of bunnies?” said Hannah Schauer, wildlife communications coordinator with the DNR. “If so, where possible, modify or remove the things that make the area attractive to coyotes.”
This could be as simple as taking down bird feeders and keeping trash cans indoors until the morning of your trash collection service. In addition to removing possible attractants, there are “hazing” tactics that can help maintain the coyotes’ natural fear of people. All of these efforts reduce opportunities for coyotes or other animals to get used to finding easy food sources.
“You want to make it an uncomfortable and unpleasant experience for the coyote to be near people,” added Schauer. “Coyotes that become accustomed to being in close proximity to people may become bolder as they are less fearful. Remind them that people should be avoided.”
If you’ve tried these tactics but find coyotes are still hanging around your property or you have concerns about their presence in the area, contact a nuisance wildlife control business for assistance. These businesses are permitted by the DNR to remove certain wildlife, including coyotes, from private property.
If hunting is allowed in your area, coyote hunting season is open year-round statewide, with no bag limit. Check local laws and review the statewide hunting and trapping regulations for coyotes in the current Fur Harvester Digest at Michigan.gov/Trapping.
Learn more about coyotes and how to handle conflicts with wildlife at Michigan.gov/
Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.
