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Understanding Maryland's Coyotes: Distribution, Behavior, and Implications

Learn about the coyote population in Maryland, their natural history, food habits, impacts on wildlife, and social implications. Management and research activities are discussed, along with solutions for dealing with coyote problems.

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Understanding Maryland's Coyotes: Distribution, Behavior, and Implications

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  1. Ken D’Loughy Central Region Manager Wildlife and Heritage Service Image or Graphic Name of Presentation Date of Presentation http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/55860.html 1

  2. COYOTE DESCRIPTION 2

  3. Possess typical canine features Large erect ears, elongated muzzle Long bushy tail Adults weigh between 30 to 40 pounds Length can exceed 60 inches One and a half to two feet tall Males may be 20% larger that females 3

  4. DISTRIBUTIONAND POPULATIONCHARACTERISITCS 4

  5. Coyotes were first documented in Maryland in 1972 (Cecil, Frederick, Washington Counties). Population densities have expanded incrementally and coyotes now occur statewide. Highest densities are in Western Maryland, lowest occurrence on the Eastern Shore. 5

  6. Highest coyote densities occur in intermixed woodland/farmland areas 6 6

  7. Coyote population densities will increase in Maryland’s suburban corridor 7 7

  8. Maryland and Delaware are the last two states to be colonized by coyotes http://amaps.com/mapstoprint/MDDEDOWNLOAD.htm 8 8

  9. Coyote Natural History 9

  10. Reach sexual maturity by 1 year of age. • Breeding season runs from late January through March. • Gestation period is 63 days. • Litters average 5-6 pups. • Coyote dens are found in steep banks and underbrush. Will dig out and enlarge burrows of other animals. • Both adult coyotes hunt and bring food to their pups. 10

  11. Impacts on Natural Communities http://www.gazettenet.com/2010/02/06/earth-matters 11

  12. Coyotes can negatively impact native wildlife species. Coyotes have assumed role as top order predator. Coyotes tend to alter ecosystem structure and function. Various wildlife species have experienced population declines as a result of their status as coyote prey. 12

  13. Coyote Food Habits Coyote diet consists of rabbits, rodents, occasionally young fawns, insects and berries. May even feed on human refuse at dump sites.

  14. Red fox decline dramatically in response to increasing coyote populations The+Red+Fhttp://misswalkerswiki.wikispaces.com/Vulpes+vulpes+--+ox 14

  15. Eastern coyote and red fox share many common habitat requirements and occupy overlapping niches. • Larger and more resilient coyote is able to out compete and displace resident fox populations. • As a result red fox move into areas devoid of individual coyote home ranges. 15

  16. Long term impacts on white-tailed deer by coyote are not known. 16

  17. Coyote food habit studies regularly show consistent use of deer as food. • However, it does not appear that coyote limit deer populations on a regional scale at this time. 17

  18. Social Implications Of Coyotes http://www.easterncoyoteresearch.com/ 18

  19. As coyote first appear in an area they are novel and receive a great deal of interest. As population densities and nuisance complaints increase public opinion changes from novel fascination to “I do not want this animal in my neighborhood.” Few wildlife species evoke as widespread and passionate disdain by the public as coyotes.

  20. Cultural Implications

  21. Cultural impacts fall into two categories: Generalized problems such as pet loss. Situations involving livestock loss. Coyotes established in suburban locations efficiently prey on cats. A local indicator of the presence of coyotes is rapid decline in cat population. Localized situations involving both pet and livestock loss can be alleviated by attempting to remove problem animals.

  22. Management & Research Activities

  23. Annual hunting and trapping seasons have been established. DNR has the flexibility to pro-actively address some of the previously mentioned ecological and social concerns. Observational data is gathered from bow hunters about furbearers and other wildlife species viewed during a hunt. This information furnishes the foundation for responsible harvest regulations for coyotes and other furbearers.

  24. Coyote Problems

  25. DNR has contracted with the USDA Wildlife Service to provide technical guidance for persons experiencing problems with coyotes. Call USDA Wildlife Services @877-463-6497 Licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Cooperators are available to trap and remove nuisance coyotes.

  26. Questions http://www.thegeminiweb.com/babyboomer/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/coyotes.jpg

  27. Contact Information: Individuals experiencing problems with coyotes can contact: 877-463-6497 Staff will provide technical guidance or facilitate contact with licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Cooperators.

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