Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2014 07 09

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miles, whereas, in the city, the coyote can meet all of its needs in a quarter of a square mile (AgriLife Services, 2009). Smaller coyote territories may be attributed to a larger abundance of resources in urban environments (Riley et aI.2003; Gehrt et al. 2009; Grinder and Krausman, 2001). The presence of an easy meal attracts coyotes into neighborhoods, diminishing their need for a larger hunting range. The availability of food in suburban areas is created by both environmental and human conditions. Examples of human conditions can be, but are not limited to, patrons directly feeding coyotes and other wildlife, accessible trash bins and open dumpsters, pet food and water bowls left outside, BBQgrills, compost piles, and bird baths. Environmental conditions can be: fruit tree debris, carrion (dead animals), and prairie dog colonies. In most cases, serious human - coyote conflicts have been the result of humans intentionally or unintentionally feeding coyotes, which is why education efforts are so important. Coyote Behavior Coyotes sometimes generate a variety of howling sounds, typically during evening hours. Often referred to as "song dogs ", coyotes have distinctive whines, barks, and howls that some regard as a "symbol of the West" (City and County of Broomfield, 2010). These sounds are produced as a form of communication for coyotes and may alert members of the pack to come back to the den or as a signal to warn off possible intruders. Coyotes have a natural fear of humans and will usually retreat when humans are present. When a coyote feels threatened by an intruder or is afraid for the safety of their young, they may exhibit aggressive behavior such as baring their teeth, growling, and raising their fur. There may be a higher prevalence of defensive behavior exhibited by coyotes during breeding times. Coyotes typically mate once a year, usually between January and February with birth of pups in the early to mid - summer months. Litter sizes vary between 2 and 12 pups which usually stay in their dens for approximately 6 weeks. During this time, coyotes can become territorial and defensive of their young. A coyote may protect their territory by "shepherding" citizens and their pets out of the area during the mating and breeding seasons (Riley, 2012) which can frighten people. Aggressive behavior and attacks on humans has shown to be more prevalent between May and August when coyotes are rearing their pups (Riley, 2012). Social Organization Coyotes often uphold their territories in packs (Bekoff and Wells 1980; Gese and Ruff 1997, 1998; Gese 2001). Pack size typically contains between 2 -10 members, plus pups with pack sizes depending on the availability of resources, population numbers, and mortality rates (Andelt 1985; Bekoff and Gese 2003). Family groups living together helps to facilitate defense and protection of their territory (Bekoff and Wells 1980; Bowen 1982). Packs are usually dominated by an alpha pair with breeding occurring between only the alpha pair. Many pups stay with the pack throughout their adult life while some members will become nomads; choosing to explore a broader home range that may overlap with other Coyote Management Plan 4 11