Street-smart coyotes lurk in GA neighborhoods. What to do if you see one in your yard
Coyotes have been a part of the Georgia ecosystem since, well… always, but there’s a whole new kind of coyote around now. These intrepid canines have wised up, and Georgia needs to know how to deal with this new kind of critter.
Are you ready for the “city coyotes?”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on these street-smart coyotes living in Metro Atlanta, roaming the town after dark, looking for mischief.
As the domestic dog’s second cousin, these “urban coyotes” are growing more and more comfortable in super peopley areas, says UGA Today, the main news source of the University of Georgia.
Georgia is home to the ultimate urban coyote: Carmine the Friendly Coyote.
Berry College Magazine reports, “Carmine jumped fences to play (nicely) with dogs, shyly followed people walking their dogs (not bothering them other than to make them mighty nervous), stole dog toys, slumbered under a trampoline, and relaxed in a dog kennel or two.”
Of course, he’s the exception rather than the rule, so its important to get to know more about the most cunning of the coyotes.
What makes a coyote “street?”
There are a lot of reasons for this, but it’s mostly because humans keep developing their land and claiming it for our urban sprawl.
This forced togetherness makes these coyotes different than their country counterparts in a few important ways:
Boldness: These canines are less afraid of humans and might let you get fairly close before fleeing. Don’t trust them.
Exploration: City-dwellers are a little more nosy. They are typically more willing to investigate unfamiliar situations, so you can find them anywhere.
Unusual activity patterns: Urban coyotes like to wait until night time and the streets are quieter to make their rounds.
You have to treat the urban coyote a little differently
We are smack dab in the middle of coyote mating season, which runs from late winter to early spring and is arguably the busiest time of the year for them. Keep a close eye on your smaller pets when they’re outside, even in a fenced yard.
If Wile E. Coyote taught us anything, he taught us that this particular species can be extremely crafty.
Make the following adaptations to keep them out of your hair:
Haze them: No really, treat them like they’re pledging a fraternity. You have to be persistent with noisemaking, projectiles and visual deterrents to spook them. Don’t be afraid to turn the sprinklers on them.
Starve them out: Don’t let your pets eat outside and keep trash and compost locked up tight. Make sure to clean up any falling fruit or seeds from your yard.
Build better fences: Fences should be at least six feet tall, and maybe add coyote rollers to the tops.
You can’t, or shouldn’t, use lethal control for the urban coyotes due to local ordinances, so focus on less aggressive means of deterrence.
How can you differentiate between an urban coyote and a pet dog?
From a distance or through your home’s windows, it might be hard to tell the difference between a coyote and a dog, especially if they’re acting abnormally bold.
However, there will be signs:
Physical characteristics:
- Ears and snouts: Coyotes have pointed upright ears and a long slender snout.
- Tails: Coyotes have a bushy tail with a black tip, which they keep low while running.
- Weight and size: Georgia coyotes typically weight between 25 and 45 pounds
- Fur color: Coyotes have a mottled fur pattern ranging from black to reddish-blonde.
Tracks and behavior:
Tracks: Coyote tracks are oval-shaped with toes pointing forward and thin, sharp claw marks.
Stride and gait: Coyotes walk with a directed purpose, in a straight line with a long stride
Sounds: Coyotes make high-pitched cries, shrieks and howls, especially at night
Coyotes, whether rural or urban, don’t typically want to be man’s best friend, so it’s best to keep your distance and let the professionals handle it.
If you see one acting erratically or excessively aggressive, you can call the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or your local animal control office.
Have you noticed more or less coyote activity or do you think you have a city coyote? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on Instagram.
This story was originally published February 28, 2025 at 1:39 PM with the headline "Street-smart coyotes lurk in GA neighborhoods. What to do if you see one in your yard."
