CREATING COYOTE COEXISTENCE
Coyotes have been persecuted in the United States for over 150 years. They are feared and hated but also considered sacred by others. The often misunderstood “song dog” is a resilient and thriving species. We owe it to them and to ourselves to learn how to coexist.
SONG DOG WATCH IS MORE THAN A PASSION, IT’S A CALLING
What began as a journey to create stories about wildlife through my photography, I found my calling in 2017 in the Connemara Meadow preserve. My husband and I had seen a coyote with mange and we wanted to see if there was a way that we could help make it better. Since then, we have spent countless hours learning about the behavior and movement of coyotes and coyote families. That curiosity has led me to become a strong advocate by educating humans about this misunderstood canid and promoting coexistence.
ABOUT US
Karin is a wildlife conservation photographer dedicated to making a difference in the lives of animals. She devotes time to studying wild animal behavior remotely through camera traps and allows her images to speak for voiceless wildlife. She has more than ten years of experience in animal rescue, rehabilitation, outreach and advocacy with a focus on wild felids and canids. Her images have been used to educate about coexisting with urban wildlife and to create awareness about the problems with exotic animal ownership.
Karin is a senior volunteer at In-Sync Exotics and is a member of the Advisory Committee for Texas Native Cats. She is the Texas Outreach Representative for The Canid Project and is a Texas Master Naturalist.
Lastly, she is a Partner Photographer for Panthera, which is focused exclusively on conserving the world’s 40 wild cat species.
KARIN SAUCEDO
Roberto Saucedo is a life-long Texan, born and raised in El Paso and currently living in DFW. He has a background in creative marketing and has used that ability to hone skills in his passion for telling stories though wildlife & conservation photography. For the last 7 years, he has documented coyote behavior throughout north Texas through observation, photography and camera traps. Together with his wife Karin, Roberto serves on the Advisory Committee for Texas Native Cats and CREA/Cocobolo Nature Reserve in Panama. He also volunteers at In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue.
Instagram: @rbtsaucedo
Learn more at robertosaucedo.com
ROBERTO SAUCEDO
COEXISTING WITH COYOTES
Coyotes are a native North American species that evolved during the Pleistocene epoch. They adapted well to living alongside early indigenous people and continue to do so today. They’re highly resilient creatures able to adapt to threats and acclimate themselves in almost every environment, including cities and suburbs. As a keystone carnivore, coyotes play a critical role helping to maintain healthy ecosystems and species diversity. Because coyotes occupy an important space in the ecosystem and are everywhere it’s important to understand their behaviors to safely coexist. There are definite steps we can take to be coyote aware and safely live among America’s Song Dog. First is to be aware of our surroundings at all times especially when we are in or close to wild spaces. You should also manage the safety of you pets and children while walking in wild spaces, especially at dawn and dusk. It is also important to have an understanding of coyote behaviors and seasonal milestones that may explain why there are increased observations of coyotes out and about during the day. Below we have some resource links that will give you in-depth information and instructions on how to manage the safety of yourself, your pets, your children and, yes, even coyotes.
KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE
Negative encounters with pets generally involve coyotes who are either habituated to people or neighborhoods due to wildlife feeding, or coyotes who are protecting their territory and pups. Keeping your pets safe when coyotes are active require simple common sense steps. Never leave pets outside unattended, especially cats, small dogs or geriatric animals. Never feed wildlife, pet food and water should be kept indoors and you should always clean up after your dog. Pay attention to signage in natural areas and the ordinances that apply to the wild spaces you visit. Also, Keep your dog on a 6 ft, non-retractible leash in public areas and be aware of your surroundings and what your dog is doing at all times. If you do encounter a coyote and it gets too close for comfort while you’re with your dog, make and maintain eye contact and try to haze the coyote by standing tall, raising you arms and making a lot of noise. If small children are walking your dog, take over the leash immediately and keep everyone close to you - pick up your small dog or child. If the coyote doesn't leave, it's likely there's a den, pups, or food source that the coyote is protecting. Hazing will not work in this case. Don’t run, but leave the area calmly. Change your routine to avoid this challenging area for awhile.
COYOTES AND MANGE
Mange is a highly contagious skin disease caused by parasitic mites. These burrowing mites dig through the skin causing severe itching which leads to loss of fur, drying skin, open sores and infection. People who claim to have seen a hairless, dog-like creature often refer to them as “chupacabras” (a mythical creature that is thought to suck the blood from it’s victims). Unfortunately, this creature is often just an unfortunate coyote suffering the effects of mange. While coyotes can usually fight off the mites, It is believed that ingesting poisoned rats can lead to a compromised immune system through secondary poisoning. The deteriorating condition can lead to poor health. This can cause an extended state of suffering which can lead to eventual death through starvation or exposure. Luckily, it may be possible to treat coyotes with mange. Through proper application of certain medications, the prospect of “re-booting” the immune system can help the coyote return to a healthy state.
ADDITIONAL LINKS AND RESOURCES ON HOW TO COEXIST WITH COYOTES AND WILDLIFE
Here are a few great resources on coyotes. Click on the logos below to learn more!
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT COYOTES
Fossil evidence suggests the presence of coyotes during the Pleistocene Epoch. Their bones have been found in the La Brea Tar Pits in California, along with dire wolves & saber toothed cats. Larger mammals went extinct after the Pleistocene but the coyote persisted and evolved to be a smaller, more generalist canid that preyed upon rabbits and rodents, similar to the ones we know today.
Coyotes are found throughout 49 of 50 states and can live as individuals or in packs. They are highly versatile and adaptable. Coyotes are omnivores and can eat fruits, nuts and small prey such as rabbits, squirrels and rodents. They are also scavengers and will feed on carrion. Coyotes are wonderful creatures and, like all wildlife, deserve our appreciation and respect.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
If this is a wildlife emergency, please contact the DFW Wildlife Hotline at 972-234-9453. Otherwise, please give us your information and we’d love to call you back. We are also available to give a presentation called “Living in harmony with America’s song dog”. This 1.5 hour presentation covers various topics and can be presented online or in person (DFW area).
