Coyotes visit housing areas searching for food, shelter

  • Published
  • By Leilani Richardson
  • Environmental Management
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Recently, coyotes have been spotted throughout the housing and work areas on base. 

Coyotes are integral part of the desert ecosystem. They hunt rabbits and other rodents, acting as natural deterrents to overpopulation. With the housing project on base leaving some houses empty for long periods of time, some desert animals begin moving in -- including coyotes. 

Though coyotes look vicious, base residents should not be alarmed by them. However, there are steps they can take to discourage coyotes from visiting their yards. 

"The abandoned houses are a real draw for the coyotes," said Mark Bratton, Environmental Management biologist. "Families living next to these abandoned houses may have pet food or small pets outside. Watered lawns attract rabbits, which is one of the main dishes in a coyote's diet. It's the ideal combination of easy food and shelter." 

Aside from food, coyotes are also in search of water, said Amber Bruno, Environmental Management biologist. The housing area offers a good escape from the heat. 

While the coyotes may be taking advantage of an ideal situation, the California Department of Fish and Game warns that these conditions could lead coyotes to display more aggressive behavior. Coyotes can lose their natural fear of humans if intentionally fed or given access to pet food, water or garbage. 

"Coyotes should be treated like any other wild animal," Mr. Bratton said. "You should not attempt to feed or pet a coyote if it wanders into your housing area. Keep well clear of the animal, observe from a distance, and keep food and pets out of its reach." 

Environmental Management biologists said that coyotes are highly unlikely to attack people. To discourage visits from coyotes, they offer the following suggestions to base residents: 

  • Do not leave food or water outside. Cat and dog food attracts hungry coyotes.
  • Do not leave small pets such as cats, domestic rabbits and small dogs outside unattended -- especially at night.
  • Trim bushes and shrubs to minimize hiding places or shady spots.
  • When trash is not being collected, secure your garbage cans so they cannot easily be knocked down or rummaged through.
"Eliminating food, water and shady areas around your home will discourage coyotes from hanging around," Mr. Bratton said. "The less comfortable coyotes feel around us, the better. We want them to maintain their wariness of humans."  

If you do encounter a coyote in one of the housing areas, keep the following tips in mind:
  • Do not panic or run.
  • Stand up straight and make yourself appear tall and large.
  • Be careful not to corner the animal.
  • Turn your body sideways and slowly walk away from the animal.
In the rare case that a coyote poses a threat to the public, security forces is equipped to respond. Base residents can call security forces at 277-3340 with any safety concerns. 

Biological questions can be referred to Environmental Management at 277-1401. 

For more information, visit the California Department of Fish and Game Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/news/issues/coyote.html.