Although they are not a native species, coyotes are having no problems making Mississippi their home. The direct cause of coyotes moving into the state is not known, whether it be they were brought in by sportsmen as some believe or through natural expansionism from being pushed out of their natural habitat by the reintroduction of wolves in the West.
But one thing is for sure: They are here to stay. Unlike their larger cousins, the grey wolves and red wolves, coyotes are very adaptable to new and changing environments, which has benefitted them in the heavily populated Eastern states where the wolves have became almost extinct because of their less adaptive behavior.
No one knows exactly when they first appeared in Mississippi; most reports have it in the early to mid 1900s, but the first documented coyote was caught in Marion County in 1983 by a local trapper. Since then the population has exploded.
Coyotes were originally just considered a problem for those living in the country, where they were commonly the culprits in the disappearance in farm animals and game species, but in the last few years they have moved to the subdivisions of large cities where they have been found to readily prey on small pets and have on occasion been known to attack humans.
There are several steps one can take to prevent their pets from falling prey to coyotes and other encroaching predators.
First, if you have a small pet outside eliminate thick brush around the area in which it stays.
Coyotes, like all predators, like to ambush their prey so by removing cover for them to hide in you can reduce the likelihood of them being attracted to your property.
Next, do not throw table scraps and other food sources around the area where your pets stay. In almost all cases the predators are attracted by the smell of other food then happen upon the small pets and take advantage of the situation they are presented with.
Most importantly, never try to confront a coyote if seen. Although most coyotes are timid and prefer to run away, they are becoming more and more bold in their interactions with humans, and a hungry coyote will shed all its fears pretty quickly.
Randell Baker of Foxworth is a wildlife control agent and wildlife manager. He may be reached at (601) 441-9491 or trapper1222@gmail.com.
