According to two experts.
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Coyotes are fascinating creatures that once werent found east of the Mississippi River.
However, during the last century or so, theyve expanded their range across North America.
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They carve out a niche for themselves, even in an urban setting.
The greatest risk with coyotes is thatthey can carry diseasesthat are transmissible to people and pets, says Kohl.
That includes canine distemper, parvo, and fleas, ticks and the mites that cause mange.
Generally, coyotes are not an issue for homeowners andprefer to steer clear of us.
That could be an issue, especially if you have small pets.
But most potential negative interactions are entirely preventable.
Theyre very lean-looking and have a bushy tail thats held out at downward sloping angle, says Owen.
Coyote coloring can range from a mottled grey to reddish or all black.
In the South, theres a higher percentage of all black coats, says Kohl.
Packs may consist of a mated pair and sometimes few young pups.
Its also possible you may hear them at night, rather than see them.
Coyotes vocalize to defend their territories and for inter-pack communication.
In fact, they have some of the most complex and varied vocalization abilities in the animal kingdom.
It can sound like a pack of coyotes but actually may only be two or three, says Kohl.
Understanding Coyotes
With a keen ability to adapt to their environment, coyotes have a generalist diet.
They are often solitary when hunting or foraging but can hunt as a pack, too.
They den in places such as under fallen logs and in thick brush or rock piles.
Interactions with pets do occur, though the outcomes are varied and unpredictable.
While coyotes will attack smaller dogs, attacks on medium or large dogs are uncommon.
Are Coyotes Dangerous?
Most of the time, coyotes stay out of our way.
But it depends on how they have been interacting with people, says Kohl.
Fortunately, if you spot a coyote, its likely just passing through and isnt interested in you.
The biggest risk coyotes pose to our lives is the potential disease transmission to our pets, says Kohl.
