Seeing a coyote during daylight hours can be surprising, given their common perception as creatures of the night. However, a daytime sighting is not inherently unusual or a sign of danger. Coyotes are highly adaptable animals, and their activity patterns can change based on various factors. Understanding these behaviors helps in coexisting with these wild animals.
Understanding Coyote Activity Patterns
Coyotes are opportunistic and adaptable animals, allowing them to thrive in diverse environments. While often considered crepuscular (most active during dawn and dusk) or nocturnal, their behavior is not strictly limited to these times. Coyotes can be active at any time of day or night, adjusting their schedules to suit their surroundings and needs. This flexibility means that seeing a coyote during daylight hours is a normal aspect of their behavior.
Normal Reasons for Daytime Coyote Sightings
A common reason coyotes may be seen during the day is to forage or hunt for food. They are omnivores and opportunistic feeders, preying on small mammals like rodents and rabbits that are active during the day. If preferred prey is more available in daylight, coyotes adjust their hunting schedules accordingly, seeking sustenance whenever it can be found.
Another factor, especially in spring and summer, is the need to feed their young. Female coyotes give birth to litters typically ranging from four to seven pups. Both parents contribute to feeding and protecting their pups, requiring more frequent foraging trips that can extend into daytime hours. Pups stay in the den for about six weeks before traveling short distances with adults.
In areas with minimal human disturbance, coyotes may be active whenever necessary, regardless of the time of day. Rural coyotes are often active during the day because limited human populations offer greater hunting opportunities. In urban or suburban environments, coyotes can become habituated to human presence, losing their natural fear and leading to increased daytime visibility. This habituation can occur quickly, with parents even passing this fearlessness on to their offspring.
When Daytime Sightings Signal Concern
While daytime sightings are often normal, certain behaviors or appearances can signal a problem. A coyote that exhibits no fear of humans, approaches closely, or seems unusually bold may be dangerously habituated. This lack of fear can result from intentional or unintentional human feeding, causing them to associate people with food sources.
Aggressive behavior, such as stalking pets or people, acting overtly aggressive, or showing signs of rabies, warrants immediate concern. Rabid coyotes may display disorientation, foaming at the mouth, erratic movements, or unusual vocalizations. Other physical signs of illness or injury include visible mange (hair loss, patchy skin), limping, emaciation, or tremors. A sick coyote might also appear scruffy, or have teary or reddened eyes. These signs indicate a potential issue.
Living Safely Alongside Coyotes
Coexisting with coyotes requires proactive measures, particularly where they are frequently observed. Hazing techniques can effectively deter coyotes if they approach too closely, reinforcing their natural wariness of humans. This involves making loud noises, waving arms, throwing small objects nearby (not directly at them), or using noisemakers like whistles or air horns. Continue hazing until the coyote completely leaves the area, even if it runs a short distance and stops.
Securing food sources is another important step to minimize coyote attraction to residential areas. This includes keeping pet food indoors, securing trash cans with tight-fitting lids, and picking up fallen fruit from yards. Avoid feeding coyotes intentionally, as this can lead to habituation and increase their presence. Bird feeders can also indirectly attract coyotes by drawing rodents, a primary food source.
Protecting pets involves keeping them on leashes when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when coyotes are often more active. Small pets should be supervised at all times or brought indoors, particularly at night, as they can be seen as easy prey. Fencing should be at least 6 feet tall and buried 18 inches deep to prevent coyotes from climbing over or digging under. Informing neighbors about coyote presence and responsible practices fosters community awareness and encourages collective safety efforts. If a coyote displays signs of illness, aggression, or an unusual lack of fear, contact local animal control or wildlife authorities.