Cape's Coyotes 101
Cape Cod News editorial staff
An estimated 900 coyotes call Cape Cod home. The coyote has acquired a public image through fables and folklore, but how well do we actually know them?
"Attack of a coyote on a person, on an adult, on a child is exceptionally, exceptionally rare. Never intentionally feeding coyotes is what's going to ensure that those coyotes don't attempt to get close to the people."
Meghan Crawford,
Engagement Biologist at MassWildlife
Does Cape Cod have coyotes?
08 March 2024 - ORLEANS, MA - An estimated 900 coyotes call Cape Cod home. Their yips and trills fill the night air and we catch their images in backyards and beaches. This wild canid has a public image built through fables and folklore, but how well do we actually know them?
Late winter and early spring, at the height of the mating season, the Cape's coyotes are more active, visible, and audible. Lower Cape TV sat down with Meghan Crawford, Community Engagement Biologist at MassWildlife, and Stephanie Ellis, Executive Director at Wild Care in Eastham, for some coyote 101 and to debunk the most common myths.
Why do coyotes howl?
Contrary to popular belief, coyotes do not howl when they have killed a prey - that is a common misconception. Instead, they howl and yip to communicate, much like dogs.
Watch the video to hear Meghan Crawford explain this typical behavior, and also why you should never ever feed coyotes.
What should you do if you encounter a coyote?
Coyote experts say there is no need to be afraid if you encounter a coyote. Make yourself look large, make noise, and pick up small pets. Consider using a technique called hazing to scare them off.
What is mange?
People sometimes see coyotes with their fur peeling off, with bald batching. This is likey caused by mange, a skin disease caused by mites. While seeing injured animals can be heartbreaking, attempted to medicate them is both illegal and can cause more harm than good. Otherwise healthy coyotes typically fight off mange in the wild, but as Stephanie Ellis from Wild Care explains, human impact makes it more complicated. Coyotes that have eaten poisoned rats and rodents have a weakened immune system or other health underlying health issues may not be able to fight mange off once infected.
Watch the Full Episode of Cape Cod Coyote 101
Scroll up this page watch the short new report about Cape Cod coyotes or simply click HERE.
Check out the Cape Cod Community Coyote Gallery
Visit a collection of coyote photos and videos from across the Cape ... page through your neighbors images or submit and share your own Cape coyote moments.
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