The Urban Coyote-A Longtime Visitor to Louisville

Every year, multiple sightings of coyotes in Eastern Jefferson county take place. Many times, they are seen in back yards, creek beds, along the golf courses and even on our streets and sidewalks. In fact, coyotes have been seen in and around Eastern Jefferson county for several decades. It’s well known that the”Urban Coyote” is a nationwide phenomenon. As civilization encouaches upon nature, coyotes and other indigenous species are left to share shrinking space with humankind.

Unfourtunatley, when we see wildlife on our streets, sidewalks, and back yards, it’s natural to be alarmed and even feel a sense of imminent danger. These concerns are heightened when it comes to small children and pets.

While they can be a nuisance and a threat to wother wildlife and small pets, coyotes are generally known to be a reclusive by nature unless their young are threatened or they are hunting for wildlife, such as rabbits. Nonetheless, most people , when confronted with a coyote sighting, are quick to report the activity and are in favor of removal or eradication.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife has published information about coyotes. According to the experts, it is not advisable to attempt to eradicate or remove coyotes as they will simply repopulate right away.

“Total eradication of coyotes is not possible. Trapping and removing coyotes will only result in new coyotes moving into occupy empty territories. Efforts to eradicate coyotes can increase their numbers. Females' may breed at younger ages and give birth to larger litters. The survival rate of pups may increase due to less competition for food.”

In another case, some years ago, the City of Denver, CO, attempted such actions and found that the coyote population increased from the starting point of the extermination efforts.

In the meantime, it’s best to follow the advice of the experts, keep a watchful eye, and take precautions in our peaceful co-existence with the indigenous wildlife.