Coyotes are active throughout the winter months, not hibernating like some other wildlife. This season presents them with distinct challenges and opportunities, leading to observable shifts in their behavior.
Coyote Winter Activity
Coyotes possess physiological adaptations that enable them to navigate harsh winter conditions. They grow a thicker fur coat, which includes a dense undercoat and long guard hairs, providing insulation and helping them regulate body temperature. This winter coat makes them appear larger than their typical 30 to 50-pound weight. Their metabolic rates also adjust to conserve energy during periods of reduced food availability.
Behaviorally, coyotes alter their hunting strategies as food becomes scarcer. While small mammals like mice and rabbits are staples in warmer months, these prey become more difficult to locate under snow. Consequently, coyotes often shift to scavenging for carrion, such as deer that succumb to winter conditions or roadkill. They may also form larger groups to cooperatively hunt larger prey, like deer, when snow conditions make these animals more vulnerable.
Increased Winter Visibility
People often report seeing coyotes more frequently in winter, which is a result of environmental changes and altered coyote behavior. The lack of foliage on trees and shrubs significantly reduces natural cover, making coyotes more visible against the bare landscape. Snow cover further enhances their visibility and makes their tracks easily discernible, indicating their presence in an area.
During leaner times, coyotes may venture closer to human settlements in search of accessible food sources, such as garbage or pet food, which increases the likelihood of sightings. Increased visibility does not signify a population increase, but rather their need to forage more widely for food.
Winter Breeding Behavior
Late winter marks the primary breeding season for coyotes, typically spanning from January through March, with February often being a peak period. During this time, coyotes form pairs, and mature males and females often remain with the same partner for multiple years.
This period brings about increased vocalizations, as their characteristic yips and howls serve to attract mates and communicate territorial boundaries. Territoriality also intensifies as pairs seek out and prepare den sites for future pups. These dens can be found in various sheltered locations, including rock piles, hollow logs, ground burrows, or even under buildings. The defensive nature of coyotes during this phase can lead to more assertive behavior towards other canids, including domestic dogs, which they may perceive as rivals or threats to their mates and potential den sites.
Coexisting with Winter Coyotes
Coexisting with coyotes, especially when they are more visible in winter, involves understanding their behavior and taking proactive steps. Securing potential food sources is important; this includes ensuring trash cans are tightly sealed and avoiding leaving pet food outdoors. Bird feeders can also indirectly attract coyotes by drawing in small rodents, a prey item for coyotes.
Supervising pets, particularly smaller ones, is a practical measure, especially during dawn and dusk when coyotes are often most active. Keeping dogs on a leash in areas where coyotes are known to be present helps maintain control. If a coyote approaches, hazing techniques can be employed to reinforce their natural wariness of humans. This involves making loud noises, waving arms to appear larger, or throwing small objects towards the coyote to encourage it to leave the area. It is important to never intentionally feed coyotes, as this can lead to them losing their natural fear of people and increase the likelihood of undesirable interactions.