Coyotes are no longer a temporary presence in West Virginia; they are here to stay. These versatile canines, who were once native to North America’s prairies and deserts, have considerably expanded their territory since the 1970s, reaching the Mountain State with tenacity fuelled by their ability to flourish in a variety of settings.
While some neighbors respect their tenacity, others, such as Morgan County farmer Gale Riner, have direct knowledge of the difficulties coyotes can bring.
Living with Coyotes: A New Reality.
The absence of conventional predators such as wolves and mountain lions contributed to the expansion of coyotes in West Virginia. Holly Morris, project leader for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR), notes that coyotes thrive in both rural and urban areas. They’ve demonstrated their adaptability in environments ranging from deep woods to suburban backyards.
However, adaptation might lead to conflict. For pet owners like Riner, the prevalence of coyotes is a major issue. “I’ve had them come after me,” she said, underscoring her commitment to defending her smaller canines. Many locals have faced similar issues, with some losing pets to these elusive predators.
Understanding coyote behavior
Coyotes are most active at specific times of year. January signals the beginning of their reproductive season, which corresponds with reduced food supply. As a result, they may move closer to human settlements in quest of food.
To reduce encounters, Morris suggests:
Keep pets safe: Always monitor small pets outside, and leash dogs on walks.
Remove attractants: Do not leave pet food or scraps outside, since they might attract coyotes or their prey, such as mice, into your yard.
Maintain their dread of humans: If you see a coyote, make noise, wave your arms, or toss objects to deter it.
Taking Action
West Virginia allows year-round coyote hunting, which aids in population control. Professional trappers such as J.W. Stevens provide an alternative for folks who are not comfortable hunting. Stevens, who operates Nuisance Wildlife Control, use targeted trapping to effectively manage coyotes.
“I’m neutral about coyotes,” Stevens says. “But with my business, I’m resolving the conflict between humans and animals.”
What is his advice? Avoid direct confrontation. Coyotes can become protective when trapped. If you have been bitten, get medical assistance right once and get tested for rabies.
A Permanent Presence
Despite these safeguards, eradicating coyotes totally is not possible. Stevens argues that West Virginians must adjust to cohabit with them. “There’s no way to eradicate them permanently,” he says. “It’s about addressing situations as they arise.”
Coexisting Safely
Coyotes have become a part of West Virginia’s environment, and they must learn to cohabit. Residents can limit their chances of conflict with these resourceful creatures by adopting proactive steps to protect their pets and property.
For more information, please contact your local WVDNR office or the USDA Wildlife Services Office in Elkins. Communities can discover a way to coexist with wildlife while also protecting everyone’s safety.
