What to Do If You Find a Baby Coyote: A Comprehensive Guide
Encountering a seemingly abandoned baby coyote can trigger a strong urge to help, but intervening inappropriately can do more harm than good. The best approach is to observe from a distance and resist the impulse to approach or handle the animal, allowing the mother coyote to return.
Understanding Coyote Behavior
Coyotes are highly adaptable creatures, thriving in diverse environments, from rural areas to bustling cities. They are primarily nocturnal but can be seen during the day, especially mothers caring for their young. Understanding their behavior is crucial when encountering a baby coyote.
- Coyote dens: Coyote mothers typically create dens in secluded locations, such as thickets, underbrush, or even abandoned buildings.
- Parental care: Coyotes are devoted parents, and both parents participate in raising their pups. They diligently hunt for food and protect their offspring.
- Leaving pups unattended: Mother coyotes often leave their pups alone for extended periods while they hunt or forage for food. This is perfectly normal behavior.
Assessing the Situation: Is Intervention Necessary?
Before taking any action, carefully assess the situation. Determining if a baby coyote is truly orphaned or in distress is essential.
- Observe from a distance: Use binoculars or a telephoto lens to observe the pup from a safe distance. Watch for signs of parental activity.
- Check for signs of injury: Look for visible injuries, such as broken limbs, open wounds, or signs of illness.
- Listen for distress calls: Baby coyotes may emit distress calls if they are injured or separated from their mother.
- Time of day: Is it daytime or nighttime? It’s more common for a mother coyote to be away during the day while foraging.
- How long has it been alone?: If it has been a few hours, give the mother more time to return.
Generally, unless the baby coyote is clearly injured or in immediate danger, it’s best to leave it alone.
What To Do (And NOT Do)
If you determine that intervention is necessary, follow these guidelines carefully.
- Do NOT approach or handle the pup: Approaching or handling a baby coyote can stress the animal and potentially expose you to diseases. Also, the mother may reject the pup if it smells of humans.
- Do NOT feed the pup: Feeding a wild animal can create dependency and alter its natural behavior.
- Contact a professional: The best course of action is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or your local animal control agency. They are trained to assess the situation and provide appropriate care.
- Document your observations: Take notes or photos of the pup’s condition and location to share with the wildlife rehabilitator.
Risks of Human Intervention
Intervening with wildlife can have negative consequences, both for the animal and for yourself.
- Disease transmission: Wild animals can carry diseases that are transmissible to humans, such as rabies and parasites.
- Human-wildlife conflict: Feeding wild animals can lead to them becoming habituated to humans and seeking food from them, which can create conflict.
- Legal implications: In some areas, it is illegal to possess or care for wildlife without a permit.
- Compromising the pup’s chance of survival in the wild: Even with the best intentions, attempting to raise a wild animal can make it difficult for them to survive in their natural habitat.
What Happens Next?
A wildlife rehabilitator will assess the pup’s health and determine the best course of action.
- Medical care: Injured or sick pups will receive necessary medical treatment.
- Rehabilitation: The pup will be cared for in a safe and controlled environment, with the goal of returning it to the wild.
- Release: Once the pup is healthy and self-sufficient, it will be released back into its natural habitat.
Here’s a table summarizing the key steps:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| ——————– | ———————————————————————————- |
| Observation | Observe from a distance, checking for signs of injury or parental activity. |
| Assessment | Determine if intervention is truly necessary based on observable evidence. |
| Contact Professionals | Contact a wildlife rehabilitator or animal control. |
| Documentation | Document observations with notes and photos. |
| Follow Instructions | Follow the instructions provided by the wildlife rehabilitator or animal control. |
Common Mistakes When Encountering Baby Coyotes
Many well-intentioned people make mistakes when encountering baby coyotes, often due to a lack of knowledge or understanding. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Assuming the pup is abandoned: As mentioned, mother coyotes often leave their pups alone for extended periods.
- Approaching the pup: This can stress the animal and expose you to potential risks.
- Feeding the pup: Feeding can create dependency and alter natural behavior.
- Attempting to raise the pup yourself: Caring for a wild animal requires specialized knowledge and resources.
- Relocating the pup: Moving a pup from its original location can make it difficult for the mother to find it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it normal for a baby coyote to be alone?
Yes, it is normal for a mother coyote to leave her pups alone for periods of time while she hunts for food. This is especially true during the day. Avoid interfering immediately, giving the mother ample time to return.
What if the baby coyote looks sick or injured?
If the baby coyote appears sick or injured (visible wounds, limping, or lethargy), contact a wildlife rehabilitator or animal control immediately. Do not attempt to treat the animal yourself.
How can I tell if the mother coyote is still around?
Observing from a distance, without approaching, is crucial. Look for any sign of the mother returning. This may involve watching the pup for several hours with binoculars. If you see no sign of her after an extended period, then consider contacting a professional.
What if I accidentally touched the baby coyote?
Avoid doing so whenever possible, but if it happens, do not panic. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. The main concern would be the mother rejecting the pup due to the human scent. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator for advice.
Can coyotes be dangerous to humans?
Coyotes are generally not considered dangerous to humans, especially adults. However, they can become habituated to humans if they are fed, which can lead to them exhibiting bolder behavior. Never intentionally feed coyotes.
What diseases can coyotes carry?
Coyotes can carry diseases such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and mange. These diseases can be transmitted to humans or pets through bites, scratches, or contact with infected saliva or feces.
What is the best way to protect my pets from coyotes?
Keep pets indoors, especially at night. If you must take your dog outside, keep it on a leash. Install fencing around your property to deter coyotes. Eliminate potential food sources, such as pet food and garbage.
What should I do if a coyote approaches me or my pet?
Make yourself look as large as possible by raising your arms. Shout loudly and wave your arms. If the coyote persists, throw rocks or other objects at it. Do not run away, as this may trigger the coyote’s predatory instincts.
How long do baby coyotes stay with their mother?
Baby coyotes typically stay with their mother for several months, learning essential survival skills. They usually disperse from their natal territory in the fall or winter.
Is it illegal to keep a coyote as a pet?
Yes, it is illegal in most jurisdictions to keep a coyote as a pet. Coyotes are wild animals and are not suitable for domestication. Furthermore, owning a coyote without a permit can carry hefty fines.
What is a wildlife rehabilitator?
A wildlife rehabilitator is a trained and licensed professional who cares for injured, sick, or orphaned wild animals with the goal of releasing them back into their natural habitat. They are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to provide appropriate care.
What do I do if What do I do if I find a baby coyote? that is obviously dead?
If you find a dead baby coyote, contact your local animal control agency. They will be able to safely remove the animal and dispose of it properly. Do not handle the carcass yourself, as it may carry diseases. They will also be able to determine if it is necessary to contact the department of natural resources, especially if you suspect that the animal died due to illegal hunting or poisoning.