While important to the ecosystem, the coyote, a type of coyote that can be found throughout North America, tends to cause problems by hurting or killing pets, such as dogs and livestock. Coyotes sometimes also scavenge in trash cans. If the animal has become too distracting or causing damage, there are several ways to trap the coyote to solve the problem.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Preparation Stage
Step 1. Use the right traps
Coyotes are powerful animals so you need a big, strong and fast trap. A number 3 coil-spring trap with 15 cm wide jaws should be ideal. A size 1.5 trap may be too small to catch a coyote.
- Make sure the trap has a center swivel and a reinforced base plate. These central swivel will prevent the trap from hurting the coyote's legs by allowing the animal to pull on the heavy chain attached to the bottom of the trap. Cage traps are not very effective because coyotes can be reluctant to enter them.
- These traps can be purchased, although people usually modify their traps, for example by widening the narrow jaw trap. To do this, you can weld metal strips along the jaws of the trap to widen its size (this process is called lamination).
Step 2. Target the right destructive coyote
Maybe in your area there are lots of coyotes hanging around and end up trapping the wrong animal. You may need to trap several coyotes before finding the real culprit.
- Coyotes that kill livestock are usually male and of prime age (between 3-5 years). The bully is usually the dominant male coyote, unless the victim is a pig or small fowl.
- There are several myths that claim the most damage is caused by female coyotes having offspring, but this is generally not true.
Step 3. Check the age and sex of the trapped coyote
This check will help determine if you have caught the male coyote who has been causing trouble.
- The best way to determine the age of a coyote is to look at the wear and tear on the teeth. Notice the coyote's front incisors, which are between the canines. If the incisors appear dull, the coyote is probably young. However, be careful because coyotes are still very dangerous. It's a good idea to ask a wildlife expert for help.
- Prime-aged coyotes usually have worn incisors and do not appear dull. The incisors of the adult coyote appear flat along the top.
Step 4. Obey the rules and laws
Your area may have laws governing how to trap coyotes. Make sure you comply.
- Although the rules vary by region, some of the standard rules for catching coyotes include that the trap must be checked daily, it must be made of metal with fine jaws or rubber, and have the owner's name and address tagged.
- Usually, you can't set traps in the path of people or pets, such as dogs or cats. Some areas require notification. For example, you must obtain permission before setting a trap on someone else's property.
Part 2 of 4: Setting Traps
Step 1. Find a place where coyotes have lived
It is best to place the trap in a location where coyotes are frequently seen. Coyotes are known to often return to the same area. Therefore, look for locations where coyotes have killed victims.
- Monitor coyote tracks (both used and new) and their droppings on the ground, especially near pastures or cages. This is a great place to set traps. You can also set traps in areas where coyotes have left their victims' carcasses. Coyote droppings are small, about a little larger than a cigarette and are black when fresh.
- Traps are also suitable for placing in paddy fields or cattle trails, at intersections of fences, on paddy paths through fences, and in open ground. Do not set coyote traps under trees or tall grass and shrubs as coyotes do not like these places.
Step 2. Choose a plateau or over a hill
These two locations are great because coyotes often roam there, and the chances of catching a raccoon or other small animal are quite low.
- Place the trap where the wind direction is toward the coyote's path. Thus the coyote can smell the bait. Otherwise, you can set up several traps to catch all wind directions.
- Restraint dogs and cats before setting traps. Pets also tend to be attracted to traps so don't let them trigger them. Therefore, make sure the dog or cat is not roaming freely when setting the trap.
Step 3. Use the earthen hole set
This is the set of traps commonly used to trap coyotes. You only need a shovel, a hammer or axe, a sifter, 90 cm square of cloth, and a bucket.
- The trap is equipped with a spring coil or a cordless device. Anything can be used to catch coyotes. These earthen pit traps are effective because coyotes will think these holes contain food buried by other animals.
- This set has bait in the hole for coyote fishing. Make sure the trap has a pressure plate inside. The weight of 2 kg is enough for the pressure plate. You can simply place a plastic bottle filled with sand to place on the plate and generate pressure.
Step 4. Dig a hole
This hole should be 10 cm in diameter and 20 cm deep at a 45 degree angle. It's a good idea to dig under the grass so it can provide support.
- Put the soil from the hole on top of the fabric. Place the bait 5-8 cm from the hole so you can determine how big the bait hole needs to be.
- Dig another hole 2.5 cm or so above the ground wide enough for the trap and stake.
Step 5. Insert the trap into the hole
Flatten and smooth the trap holes. Secure the trap with pegs driven through the joints on the swivel. Use reinforced dowels with a length of 1.5 cm.
- Once the pegs are in the ground, place loose soil removed from the cloth to fill the trap. Twist the stake into the ground. The trap should be about 2.5 cm below the ground. Install the plate cover so that the soil does not hit the trap spring. We recommend using a porous covering, such as denim or fiberglass.
- Cut the cover so that it fits under the jaw and above the trap plate. Pile loose soil around the trap and the edges of the plate cover. Backfill the trap by piling up the soil until it is solid around it. Now, sift the dry soil to a height of 0.5-1 cm above the trap.
- The trap is placed in a hole with a solid base so that it does not slide when the coyote steps on another part of the trap, instead of the plate. The end result should be like a hole an animal dug.
Step 6. Use a flat trap set
These traps are also referred to as scent-post sets, and are used to trap coyotes in trails or trails.
- Look for grass that coyotes use to defecate. It's a good idea to prepare a large bait to attract the attention of passing coyotes. Place the bait object perpendicular to the coyote's path.
- Dig a hole in a flat trap set and cover it like a dirt hole set. Cover the tarp with dry grass or leaves, or sifted dry cow or sheep dung.
Step 7. Use the blind set
Blind sets are sometimes used as a last resort. Place the set in the area where the coyote tracks are found, as if the animal were jumping over something, such as a fence.
- Hide and cover blind spots just like using a flat set. Place the trap where the coyote lands after jumping over the fence.
- Hide the trap carefully, placing small sticks on either side to direct the coyote to the trap. You usually don't use bait for blind sets because the goal is to get the coyote to jump over the fence and into the trap.
Part 3 of 4: Catching Coyotes
Step 1. Add bait or smell
It is recommended that you put 2 or more baits into the hole. You need something to lure coyotes into traps.
- Meat baits are commonly used (beaver, bobcat, cattle, or skunk meat). However, this bait is not suitable in hot weather.
- Commercial baits are usually neater than meat baits. Commercial baits have scents that coyotes prefer, such as beaver oil or tonquin smell. There is also a bait that has a skunk smell because it is known to be effective at fishing for coyotes. Coyote traps often have their own recipe. You can also make a homemade bait by putting four dozen rotten eggs in a gallon. Stir and let stand for two months.
- You can also put a ball of sheep's wool in the hole, and pour bait into it. You can use coyote gland bait, red fox or coyote urine, or coyote droppings.
Step 2. Release the coyote from the trap
Some traps will kill coyotes. This trap wraps a rope around the coyote's head. However, in other cases the coyote can be trapped alive. We recommend that you seek professional help to remove the coyote from the trap. A trapped coyote is very dangerous.
- Many areas require coyotes to be euthanized after capture. There is also an area that has a place to accommodate coyotes. Contact the animal department in your area.
- Wear thick clothing and protective gloves when handling coyotes. Be aware that coyotes can carry rabies and other diseases.
Step 3. Clear the trap
You can clean the trap using a high-pressure hose that is usually used in car washes. We recommend that you wash the traps before reuse.
- You can also use hot soapy water. Soak the trap in it, then scrub with a stiff brush.
- Rinse the trap with clean water. Hang outside to dry. You don't need to paint or wax the trap unless it's been used in winter and has been salted.
- Log wood crystal is a commercial paint used on traps to prevent rust. Pour the paint into a large pot of water and heat until it boils. Place the trap in the boiling paint until it turns brown or black.
Part 4 of 4: Looking for Alternatives
Step 1. Solve your coyote problem without traps
Some animal protection groups consider using traps inhumane. The group has a program that teaches how to deal with coyote problems without traps.
- Keep food and drink away from coyotes. Coyotes often approach settlements because they are hungry or thirsty. Therefore, food and drink will invite these animals. Coyotes usually forage in trash cans, compost piles, and pet food. If these items are kept or removed, the coyotes will not be interested in coming.
- Water invites coyotes like food. So, artificial lakes, irrigation, and pet drinks will attract coyotes.
Step 2. Instill a fear of humans in coyotes
Coyotes are quite used to the presence of humans. Here you aim to frighten him so he won't come back.
- When you see a coyote, make as much noise as possible. For example, you could scream or bang on cooking utensils.
- Make yourself look as big as possible. Stand straight, and wave your arms.
Step 3. Install the fence
If you want to prevent coyotes from getting close to your livestock, it's a good idea to put up fences to protect them.
- For example, a good quality mesh fence will protect livestock from coyotes if the hole is less than 15 cm and the vertical distance is less than 10 cm.
- You can also use an electric fence, but its maintenance requires more labor.
Step 4. Take care of guard animals
Sometimes breeders keep guard dogs to protect their livestock. These dogs are trained to repel predators.
- Dog breeds commonly used as livestock keepers are the Great Pyrenees, Komondor, Anatolian Shepherd, and the Akbash.
- Dogs must be trained. An untrained dog will be in danger if used as a guard.
Tips
- Rusted traps will not function as effectively as traps in good condition.
- We recommend setting 3-4 sets of traps in areas where coyotes have killed their victims.
- You may not need to wear gloves when setting a trap as coyotes are used to human odors and gloves can transfer other odors to the trap.
- Keep the trap clean. Make sure it is rust free, painted and well waxed.
- Install a set of ground or flat holes at least 30 meters from the carcass so as not to catch scavenging animals such as vultures/herlings.
