Coyotes in Baltimore County Ken DLoughy Central Region

Coyotes in Baltimore County Ken D’Loughy Central Region Manager Image or Graphic Wildlife and Heritage Service Name of Presentation Date of Presentation http: //www. dec. ny. gov/animals/55860. html 1

Coyotes in Baltimore County COYOTE DESCRIPTION 2

Coyotes in Baltimore County • • Possess typical canine features Large erect ears, elongated muzzle Long bushy tail Adults weigh between 30 to 40 pounds Length can exceed 60 inches One and a half to two feet tall Males may be 20% larger that females 3

Coyotes in Baltimore County DISTRIBUTION AND POPULATION CHARACTERISITCS 4

Coyotes in Baltimore County • Coyotes were first documented in Maryland in 1972 (Cecil, Frederick, Washington Counties). • Population densities have expanded incrementally and coyotes now occur statewide. • Highest densities are in Western Maryland, lowest occurrence on the Eastern Shore. 5

Coyotes in Baltimore County Highest coyote densities occur in intermixed woodland/farmland areas 6

Coyotes in Baltimore County Coyote population densities will increase in Maryland’s suburban corridor 7

Coyotes in Baltimore County Maryland Delaware the last two states to be colonized by coyotes http: //amaps. com/mapstoprint/MDDEDOWNLOAD. htm 8

Coyotes in Baltimore County Coyote Natural History 9

Coyotes in Baltimore County • Reach sexual maturity by 1 year of age. • Breeding season runs from late January through March. • Gestation period is 63 days. • Litters average 5 -6 pups. • Coyote dens are found in steep banks and underbrush. Will dig out and enlarge burrows of other animals. • Both adult coyotes hunt and bring food to their pups. 10

Coyotes in Baltimore County Impacts on Natural Communities http: //www. gazettenet. com/2010/02/06/earth-matters 11

Coyotes in Baltimore County • Coyotes can negatively impact native wildlife species. • Coyotes have assumed role as top order predator. • Coyotes tend to alter ecosystem structure and function. • Various wildlife species have experienced population declines as a result of their status as coyote prey. 12

Coyotes in Baltimore County • Coyote Food Habits • Coyote diet consists of rabbits, rodents, occasionally young fawns, insects and berries. • May even feed on human refuse at dump sites. 13

Coyotes in Baltimore County Red fox decline dramatically in response to increasing coyote populations The+Red+Fhttp: //misswalkerswikispaces. com/Vulpes+vulpes+--+ox 14

Coyotes in Baltimore County • Eastern coyote and red fox share many common habitat requirements and occupy overlapping niches. • Larger and more resilient coyote is able to out compete and displace resident fox populations. • As a result red fox move into areas devoid of individual coyote home ranges. 15

Coyotes in Baltimore County Long term impacts on white-tailed deer by coyote are not known. 16

Coyotes in Baltimore County • Coyote food habit studies regularly show consistent use of deer as food. • However, it does not appear that coyote limit deer populations on a regional scale at this time. 17

Coyotes in Baltimore County Social Implications Of Coyotes http: //www. easterncoyoteresearch. com/ 18

Coyotes in Baltimore County • As coyote first appear in an area they are novel and receive a great deal of interest. • As population densities and nuisance complaints increase public opinion changes from novel fascination to “I do not want this animal in my neighborhood. ” • Few wildlife species evoke as widespread and passionate disdain by the public as coyotes. 19

Coyotes in Baltimore County Cultural Implications 20

Coyotes in Baltimore County 21 • Cultural impacts fall into two categories: 1. 2. Generalized problems such as pet loss. Situations involving livestock loss. • Coyotes established in suburban locations efficiently prey on cats. • A local indicator of the presence of coyotes is rapid decline in cat population. • Localized situations involving both pet and livestock loss can be alleviated by attempting to remove problem animals.

Coyotes in Baltimore County Management & Research Activities 22

Coyotes in Baltimore County • Annual hunting and trapping seasons have been established. • DNR has the flexibility to pro-actively address some of the previously mentioned ecological and social concerns. • Observational data is gathered from bow hunters about furbearers and other wildlife species viewed during a hunt. • This information furnishes the foundation for responsible harvest regulations for coyotes and other furbearers. 23

Coyotes in Baltimore County Coyote Problems 24

Coyotes in Baltimore County 25

Coyotes in Baltimore County • DNR has contracted with the USDA Wildlife Service to provide technical guidance for persons experiencing problems with coyotes. • Call USDA Wildlife Services @877 -463 -6497 • Licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Cooperators are available to trap and remove nuisance coyotes. 26

Coyotes in Baltimore County Questions http: //www. thegeminiweb. com/babyboomer/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/coyotes. jpg 27

Coyotes in Baltimore County Contact Information: • Individuals experiencing problems with coyotes can contact: 877 -463 -6497 • Staff will provide technical guidance or facilitate contact with licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Cooperators.