What to Do If You See a Sick Coyote?
When you encounter a coyote exhibiting signs of illness, your primary responsibility is to maintain a safe distance and immediately contact your local animal control or wildlife rehabilitation center. Document the coyote’s behavior and location, but avoid direct interaction to prevent disease transmission or potential aggression.
Understanding Coyote Encounters and Illness
Coyotes are increasingly common in both urban and rural environments. While typically shy and wary of humans, their presence can raise concerns, especially if an animal appears sick. Recognizing the signs of illness and understanding the appropriate response are crucial for both your safety and the coyote’s well-being. Understanding coyote behavior is the first step in knowing what to do if you see a sick coyote.
Identifying Signs of a Sick Coyote
Distinguishing a healthy coyote from a sick one is important for informing your actions. Several signs indicate a coyote may be unwell:
- Abnormal Behavior: Displaying a lack of fear, approaching humans, or excessive daytime activity (coyotes are typically most active at dawn and dusk).
- Physical Appearance: Obvious injuries, mange (hair loss), emaciation, or discharge from the eyes or nose.
- Neurological Symptoms: Unsteadiness, seizures, or disorientation.
- Vocalization: Excessive whimpering, howling, or other unusual sounds.
Why Sick Coyotes Pose a Risk
Sick coyotes can pose a risk to both humans and pets. Illnesses like mange and rabies are transmissible. Mange, caused by mites, weakens the animal and makes them more vulnerable, potentially leading to increased aggression. Rabies, though less common, is fatal if untreated. Therefore, knowing what to do if you see a sick coyote is critical for public health.
The Importance of Reporting
Reporting a sick coyote to the appropriate authorities allows them to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. They may be able to capture the animal and provide treatment, prevent the spread of disease, or, in severe cases, euthanize the animal to alleviate suffering. Timely reporting contributes to wildlife management and public safety.
What to Do if You See a Sick Coyote: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a clear, concise guide on what to do if you see a sick coyote:
- Maintain a Safe Distance: Immediately move away from the coyote. Do not approach, touch, or feed it. A minimum distance of 50 feet is recommended.
- Observe the Coyote: Note its behavior, physical condition, and location. Take photos or videos if possible, but only from a safe distance.
- Contact Authorities: Call your local animal control, wildlife rehabilitation center, or the Department of Natural Resources. Provide them with as much detail as possible about the coyote’s condition and location.
- Keep Pets and Children Indoors: Prevent pets and children from approaching the area where the sick coyote was seen.
- Do Not Interfere: Do not attempt to capture or treat the coyote yourself. This could endanger you and worsen the animal’s condition.
- Monitor the Situation: If the coyote remains in the area, continue to monitor its behavior and report any changes to the authorities.
Preventing Future Encounters
While encountering a sick coyote is unpredictable, you can take steps to minimize the risk of future encounters:
- Secure Trash: Store garbage in tightly sealed containers to prevent attracting coyotes.
- Remove Food Sources: Avoid leaving pet food or water outside.
- Trim Vegetation: Keep your yard free of overgrown vegetation that could provide shelter for coyotes.
- Supervise Pets: Always supervise pets when they are outside, especially during dawn and dusk.
- Use Deterrents: Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can deter coyotes from entering your property.
Comparison of Healthy vs. Sick Coyote Behavior
| Feature | Healthy Coyote | Sick Coyote |
|---|---|---|
| —————— | ————————————— | ————————————————- |
| Activity Level | Active primarily at dawn and dusk | May be active during the day |
| Fear of Humans | Wary and avoids humans | May show little or no fear, even approach humans |
| Physical Appearance | Healthy coat, normal weight | Mange, emaciation, injuries, discharge |
| Behavior | Hunts for food, interacts with pack | Disoriented, unsteady, seizures |
Understanding Common Coyote Diseases
Common diseases affecting coyotes include:
- Mange: A skin disease caused by mites, leading to hair loss, itching, and skin lesions.
- Rabies: A viral disease affecting the nervous system, causing aggression, disorientation, and paralysis.
- Distemper: A viral disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
- Parvovirus: A highly contagious viral disease affecting the gastrointestinal system, primarily in young animals.
The Role of Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers
Wildlife rehabilitation centers play a vital role in caring for sick or injured coyotes. They provide medical treatment, rehabilitation, and, when possible, release the animals back into the wild. Supporting these centers through donations or volunteer work helps ensure that coyotes receive the care they need.
FAQs: What to Do if You See a Sick Coyote?
1. Is it safe to approach a coyote that appears friendly?
No, it is never safe to approach a coyote, regardless of how friendly it may seem. Even if the coyote appears tame, it could still be sick or carrying diseases. Always maintain a safe distance and contact the authorities.
2. Can I feed a sick coyote to help it recover?
No, feeding a sick coyote is not recommended. Feeding wildlife can lead to dependency on humans and alter their natural behavior. It can also spread diseases and attract other animals to the area. The best course of action is to report the animal to animal control.
3. What if I see a coyote with mange?
Mange is a highly contagious skin disease that can affect coyotes. If you see a coyote with mange, do not approach it. Contact your local animal control or wildlife rehabilitation center and report the sighting.
4. How do I protect my pets from sick coyotes?
To protect your pets, keep them indoors, especially during dawn and dusk. When pets are outside, keep them on a leash and supervise them closely. Vaccinate your pets against rabies and other diseases.
5. Can coyotes transmit rabies to humans?
Yes, coyotes can transmit rabies to humans through a bite or scratch. Rabies is a serious and potentially fatal disease. If you are bitten or scratched by a coyote, seek immediate medical attention.
6. What if a sick coyote is in my yard?
If a sick coyote is in your yard, stay inside and keep pets and children indoors. Contact your local animal control or wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance.
7. How do I know if a coyote is rabid?
Signs of rabies in coyotes can include excessive drooling, aggression, disorientation, and paralysis. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other illnesses. If you suspect a coyote may be rabid, contact the authorities immediately.
8. What should I do if my pet is bitten by a coyote?
If your pet is bitten by a coyote, seek veterinary care immediately. Report the incident to animal control and provide them with as much information as possible.
9. Are coyotes more aggressive when they are sick?
Sick coyotes may be more aggressive than healthy coyotes, particularly if they are suffering from rabies or are feeling threatened. Always exercise caution and avoid approaching sick animals.
10. Can I trap and relocate a sick coyote myself?
No, trapping and relocating a sick coyote is not recommended and may be illegal. Only trained professionals should handle wildlife. Relocating an animal can also spread diseases to new areas.
11. What are the long-term effects of mange on coyotes?
Mange can significantly weaken coyotes, making them more vulnerable to predators, starvation, and disease. Severe cases of mange can be fatal.
12. How can I support coyote conservation efforts?
You can support coyote conservation efforts by donating to wildlife rehabilitation centers, advocating for responsible wildlife management policies, and educating others about coyote behavior and ecology. Understanding and respecting wildlife is key to coexistence.