Encountering Coyotes: Coyote Interactions
Coyote Behavior by Season
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The season can tell you a lot about what coyotes are up to and how they might behave; our coyote observation reports follow a distinct seasonal pattern. Coyote behavioral patterns depend in large part on the age of their pups (we are sure many people can relate).
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Spring
From March to May, litters of coyote pups are being born across the Portland metro area. Coyote parents will be extra hungry and extra wary during this time, so be sure to give them extra space. They tend to be more territorial during this time of year than other times. If a coyote appears to be standing its ground in a particular area during the spring months, be sure to give it space and keep your dogs close to you. During this time, coyotes are also more likely to "escort" you away from their den—this is normal; they may follow you from a distance to make sure you aren't a threat to their pups. If you can, give coyotes extra grace and space in the late spring and early summer.
From March to May, litters of coyote pups are being born across the Portland metro area. Coyote parents will be extra hungry and extra wary during this time, so be sure to give them extra space. They tend to be more territorial during this time of year than other times. If a coyote appears to be standing its ground in a particular area during the spring months, be sure to give it space and keep your dogs close to you. During this time, coyotes are also more likely to "escort" you away from their den—this is normal; they may follow you from a distance to make sure you aren't a threat to their pups. If you can, give coyotes extra grace and space in the late spring and early summer.
Summer
Our reports are generally lowest in summer, but that doesn't mean coyotes aren't out and about. Coyote pups are growing, weaning, and timidly venturing out of the den. Once coyote pups are weaned, coyote families no longer need to live in a den. Instead, they may move on to more temporary sleeping areas around their home range.
Coyotes, being the opportunistic omnivores that they are, will be happy to relieve you of your tomatoes, berries, fruits, and other garden delights. Be sure to secure your yard and garden by removing attractants such as compost and fallen fruit and by adding fencing if necessary.
Our reports are generally lowest in summer, but that doesn't mean coyotes aren't out and about. Coyote pups are growing, weaning, and timidly venturing out of the den. Once coyote pups are weaned, coyote families no longer need to live in a den. Instead, they may move on to more temporary sleeping areas around their home range.
Coyotes, being the opportunistic omnivores that they are, will be happy to relieve you of your tomatoes, berries, fruits, and other garden delights. Be sure to secure your yard and garden by removing attractants such as compost and fallen fruit and by adding fencing if necessary.
Fall and Winter
While conflict can be high during pupping season, when coyotes are most territorial and protective, most sightings occur during the fall and winter months.
We think that more sightings are reported during fall and winter because of increased visibility—less tree cover means less ability to hide or blend in quickly. Young coyotes are also starting to venture out on their own, which means they are still figuring out their routines and how to interact with the world around them.
Fall and winter are great times to make sure you are helping adolescent coyotes develop safe habits by keeping compost, fallen fruit, and other tempting treats away from areas frequented by people. This is also the perfect time to make sure you are hazing bold coyotes. These young coyotes are impressionable and can easily become habituated if their natural fear of humans isn’t reinforced. Coyotes, people, and pets are safest if coyotes keep their distance and stay wary.
While conflict can be high during pupping season, when coyotes are most territorial and protective, most sightings occur during the fall and winter months.
We think that more sightings are reported during fall and winter because of increased visibility—less tree cover means less ability to hide or blend in quickly. Young coyotes are also starting to venture out on their own, which means they are still figuring out their routines and how to interact with the world around them.
Fall and winter are great times to make sure you are helping adolescent coyotes develop safe habits by keeping compost, fallen fruit, and other tempting treats away from areas frequented by people. This is also the perfect time to make sure you are hazing bold coyotes. These young coyotes are impressionable and can easily become habituated if their natural fear of humans isn’t reinforced. Coyotes, people, and pets are safest if coyotes keep their distance and stay wary.
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