If you are having a problem with a nuisance coyote or two, you may want to kill the animals to solve the problem. That is an option, but they can also be trapped and relocated.
Gun
One of the widely used methods of killing Coyote is the gun. The best time to have a shot is early morning or late evening. You need to be silent and avoid any kind of distraction that could alert it and result in its escape. Once you have a clear and close view, just point an shoot. You must have a good quality powerful gun as coyotes are not small in size.
Traps
Traps are widely used to catch and kill a coyote. There are a number of options available in the market for you to choose from. Jaw leg hold trap is one of the most popular ones and catches the leg of the animal. There is a trigger which activates and releases the jaw whenever an animal steps on it. Once caught you have a few options of killing it. Bait is necessary in order to attract the animal to the trap. The first option of killing is letting the animal stay in the same condition for next few days. This would result in it dying due to dehydration, psychological trauma or simply due to the climate. The trap might also prove fatal in a few cases as it can result in swelling, fracture or self-mutilation. You can also use a gun of a knife at this stage to kill the animal. Be very careful as it might attack you. The biggest problem related to the method is that chances of non-targeted animals getting caught are really high. This might include your own pet as well. The danger increases many fold in case there are children in the house.
Denning
Denning is the process in which poisonous gases are pumped into the dens of the coyotes killing everybody inside it. This includes the young coyotes as well. The practice is again inhumane and can harm others around the area as well.
Snares
The use of snares has also increased a lot in the recent past. It is a strangling device with loops and wires that catches the animal’s body and neck to cut off the supply of air. It takes a few days to kill the animal. The elimination of used blood from jugular vein is also prohibited. At the same time, heart pumps the blood through the veins to brain. This result is brain swelling over a period of time and finally bursting. This is again a very painful and inhumane method which must be avoided.
Poisoning
Poisoning is another method that can be used to kill a coyote. Two of the most popular poisons for the purpose are Compound 1080 and sodium cyanide. Both of these are really poisonous and can kill even humans with real ease. Proper care is very important while handling these chemicals.These are used in a special spring loaded mechanism which unleash the poison whenever it is disturbed by somebody. The chemicals are colorless, odorless and tasteless and kill in a matter of seconds. Bait is also used with the mechanism to attract a coyote. The poison is so powerful that if an animal consumes the flesh of another one killed due to this, it would also die within minutes. The poison causes heart attack and render muscles the ability to work. Not only inhumane and banned in most parts of the United States, the method is a dangerous one because of the poisons involved. Sufficient protection and precaution is a must while using this method. However, the use of poison for the purpose must be avoided and it is always better to look for other means.
Killing of coyotes is certainly not the best idea and the correct solution to the problem. It by no means is necessary and there are a number of other ways to look up to. The first option is to go in for a live trap. Bait is used to attract the coyote and it can be released at a far off place. Fences around the house can be effective in keeping them out. Taking the help of an expert in setting these is very important. Electric current can also be used in these to keep coyotes away. Repellents including the wolf urine are also effective in keeping them away.
For more information, go back to my main coyote removal page.
FAQs
There are many different methods that can be used to kill coyotes, but one of the most popular is to use a lethal body grip trap. This is a large and powerful trap that will close around the coyote when it triggers the trap, crushing it to death.
What kills coyotes the most? ›
There are many different methods that can be used to kill coyotes, but one of the most popular is to use a lethal body grip trap. This is a large and powerful trap that will close around the coyote when it triggers the trap, crushing it to death.
Why you shouldn't kill coyotes? ›
Coyotes directly or indirectly help to control disease transmission, keep rodent populations in check, consume animal carcasses, increase biodiversity, remove sick animals from the gene pool, and protect crops.
What smell do coyotes hate? ›
ammonia soaked rags, pepper spray, human scent, vinegar, wolf urine and there are also numerous homemade recipes. As a reminder, deterrents are only one tool in the coyote mitigation toolbox and should be used in conjunction with hazing and attractant removal in order to prevent coyote encounters.
Why are coyotes so hard to get rid of? ›
Research suggests that when aggressively controlled, coyotes can increase their reproductive rate by breeding at an earlier age and having larger litters, with a higher survival rate among the young. This allows coyote populations to quickly bounce back, even when as much as 70% of their numbers are removed.
Will coyotes eat rat poison? ›
In a study conducted by the National Park Service in the Santa Monica National Recreational Area in California, 94% of mountain lions, 92% of bobcats and 83% of coyotes studied had been exposed to anticoagulants in rodenticides.
What is a coyote's biggest enemy? ›
Humans are the coyote's greatest threat, followed by cougars and gray wolves. Despite predation by gray wolves, coyotes sometimes mate with them, and with eastern, or red wolves, producing "coywolf" hybrids.
What do coyotes fear the most? ›
They tend to be active during the day but are pretty fearful of humans. If you come across a coyote, making loud noises by yelling or banging pots and pans, as well as waving your arms will scare them off as well as instilling in them their natural fear of humans.
What to do with a coyote after you kill it? ›
Some dispose of the carcass, and others trade the pelts to their local trapper. When pelts are in their prime and not rubbed (from the breeding season) or mangey, you can make some good money selling them.
What does it take to kill a coyote? ›
One of the widely used methods of killing Coyote is the gun. The best time to have a shot is early morning or late evening. You need to be silent and avoid any kind of distraction that could alert it and result in its escape. Once you have a clear and close view, just point an shoot.
FALSE: IF THERE WAS A BOUNTY, THERE WOULD BE FEWER COYOTES.
TRUTH: Indiscriminate killing may temporarily decrease local numbers, but coyote reproductive potential results in an equivalent or higher population within a year's time. Approximately one third of coyotes live solitary lives.
How do I get rid of coyotes permanently? ›
Install a tall fence to keep them from entering your property. Haze coyotes by approaching them with loud noises, lights, and big motions. Install outdoor lights with motion sensors to scare them away. Call a professional to safely remove coyotes or put measures in place to keep them from returning.
Are coyotes afraid of dogs? ›
Most coyotes are fearful of people and generally make an effort to avoid us. They react very differently to dogs, however, taking quite an interest in them. Coyotes may view dogs as a threat, or as potential prey, depending mainly on the size of the dog.
Does vinegar get rid of coyotes? ›
Leave open jars of vinegar on the perimeter of where the animal is frequenting. Most wildlife do not like the smell and will try to avoid it. Leave the jars out for a few weeks, refilling them as necessary.
How do I keep coyotes from returning? ›
➢ Trim vegetation and mow tall grass; remove or thin brush and rubbage piles so as to eliminate cover for coyotes and their prey. ➢ Avoid feeding birds. Coyotes will eat the birdseed as well as the birds and rodents attracted by the feeder. ➢ Secure livestock and poultry with wildlife-proof fencing with a secured top.
What do farmers use to keep coyotes away? ›
Scare coyotes away
For best success, alternate predator urines and place them in different locations around the property to keep coyotes guessing. This solution also deters other unwanted guests from feral cats to raccoons. In addition, large dogs can intimidate coyotes and reduce risk of conflict.
What to do if coyotes are near your house at night? ›
Throw small stones, sticks, tennis balls or anything else you can lay your hands on. Remember the intent is to scare and not to injure. Spray with a hose, if available, or a squirt gun filled with water and vinegar. Shake or throw a “coyote shaker”—a soda can filled with pennies or pebbles and sealed with duct tape.
What brings coyotes out? ›
Coyotes are attracted by bread, table scraps, seed, or even birds that come to the feeder. Secure garbage containers and eliminate garbage odors. Don't leave small children unattended outside if coyotes have been seen frequently in the area. Don't allow pets to run free.
If you are having a problem with a nuisance coyote or two, you may want to kill the animals to solve the problem. That is an option, but they can also be trapped and relocated.