Moonlight Serenade: Coyote Mating Season

If you spend any time outdoors or live in a rural area, you may notice that during certain months of the year, coyotes seem a little more active — and a lot more vocal. While this can understandably make some people nervous, it doesn't mean the coyote population is suddenly out of control. Most of the increased activity happens because January through March is coyote mating season. Eastern coyotes typically weigh between 30 and 50 pounds and measure about 48 to 60 inches in length. Their coats range from gray to reddish-brown, and they usually live around four years in the wild. According to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, the first verified sighting of a coyote in New Hampshire occurred in Grafton County in 1944. By the late 1970s, coyotes had spread throughout the state — from Colebrook to Seabrook. Today, they can be found in every county across New Hampshire. Coyotes maintain territories that range from 5 to 25 square miles. These areas are typically shared by a mated pair and sometimes their offspring. Coyotes mark and defend their territories against unrelated coyotes and occasionally against other canine species. They are also highly vocal animals, using a wide variety of sounds: yips from youngsters, barks to signal danger, long howls to gather family members and the familiar group yip-howls often heard when pack members reunite. When it comes to food, coyotes are opportunistic eaters. Their diet changes with the seasons and may include mice, squirrels, woodchucks, snowshoe hares, fawns, house cats, carrion, amphibians, insects, fruit, garbage and just about anything else that's readily available. Eastern coyotes are social animals and typically choose a mate for life. During mating season, they are especially vocal. Both parents help raise their pups, and sometimes an older sibling will lend a paw. Four to eight pups are usually born in early May. Within a year, some young coyotes will travel long distances to establish their own territories, while others may stay with their parents and form a small family pack. Below are some simple ways to help reduce conflict during coyote mating season. Protect your pets Your pets should never be left outside unattended. Keeping them on a leash is the safest option. Coyotes can't distinguish between small prey and domestic animals, and a large dog may be seen as a rival coyote encroaching on their territory. Remove food sources from your property Coyotes will take advantage of any available food, including unsecured garbage or compost. Feeding coyotes — intentionally or not — can cause them to become dependent on human food and more comfortable around people, which increases the likelihood of conflict. Practice coyote hazing Coyotes are naturally wary of humans, but that fear can fade if they become too accustomed to our presence. Coyote hazing involves using safe, non-harmful techniques to scare coyotes away and reinforce their natural avoidance of people. This can include making loud noises, waving your arms, throwing small objects near (not at) the animal or spraying water to encourage it to leave the area.