Nature Center: Shelby Coyotes Alive, Well

Yes, there are coyotes in Shelby Township–and almost everywhere else in Michigan. 

Yet it seems wherever they go, coyotes get bad press. It seems their reputation as predators and pests precedes them.

But Dan Farmer, a naturalist at the nature center said there is no cause for alarm and coexistence is possible–with a common sense approach.

Although the red fox and the grey fox are more commonly seen in Shelby Township neighborhoods, Farmer said there have been coyote sightings in River Bends Park evidenced by tracks and scat.  However, there is no evidence that the coyotes live in the park.

“It takes a big area to keep a coyote alive,” Farmer said. 

The park is part of their home range that can extend 6-25 miles, depending on geographic location.

Farmer said the coyote population is healthy and widespread due in part to the increased deer population.

Coyotes are what Farmer calls “opportunist feeders” that would rather scavenge. They will often feed on an injured deer or a deer carcass.

That’s not to say that coyotes can’t be pests that invade garbage or threaten small domestic animals such as dogs, cats and chickens. 

They are basically “a wild dog that nobody’s feeding,” Farmer said. “If they see something tasty, they’re going to take it.”

The Macomb County Animal Shelter handles animal control issues for Shelby Township. The shelter has received coyote calls, but does not trap or chase wild animals. Common-sense recommendations are to watch children and small animals when they are outside and keep garbage contained in cans with covers.

While Farmer said coyotes pose little threat to humans, the potential is there as the coyotes become accustomed to living among people. He offers this precaution:  “Never touch a wild mammal.”

In his opinion, Farmer said, dogs that are bred for attack are much more likely to bite.

Coyotes are often solitary animals, but their basic social unit is the mated pair.  They can hunt in small family groups of three to seven members. Unrelated animals can join these “packs” as well.

Farmer says an experienced tracker can tell the difference between coyote tracks and dog tracks, but generally, coyote tracks will be more oblong and compact. The claws are less prominent. Most coyotes are between 24-46 pounds, but can be larger.

They mate once a year in February and have an average of six pups.

Despite the bad press, Farmer has praise for the species. 

“The coyote might be one of the smartest mammals,” he said. “I’m excited to see the coyote come through … you don’t have to go far to have a great wild life experience.”