Canines
Coyotes
The coyote is a predator species of canines that are considered a nuisance. They are found throughout North America and are one of the most widely dispersed wild canids, found on farmlands, ranches, and urban areas. Even though these feared creatures are part of the natural ecosystem, they are known to kill chickens, goats, sheep, even cattle, and other wildlife, and pose a threat to pets in urban areas.
They cause property damage by digging dens, clawing at irrigation pipes, and ripping through fences. A coyote can weigh up to 50 pounds, and while they look a lot like dogs, don’t let the familiar face and mannerisms fool you; they are a menace. Even with efforts to trap them and regulate their numbers, there are more today than ever before.
They are attracted to urban areas that have outside trash bins and food left out for pets. They are very smart and have developed a vocal language to communicate 11 different situations. Many people worry about their pets and children in areas where coyotes have been spotted. Even though they do not usually harm humans, they are still considered to be very dangerous. If you have a coyote problem, it is time to consider having them removed by a professional. You should not approach them and keep your distance when monitoring their presence. These animals can be sick and carry diseases such as mange and rabies. They run in packs, so where there is one, there are usually more.
Foxes
Foxes are another one of the most widely dispersed animals of the Canidae family and they are interesting creatures. They mate for life and adapt very well to new surroundings. They can also be a nuisance by devastating livestock and causing unrest in domestic pets in urban areas. Many people make the mistake of feeding foxes at their homes, getting them too accustomed to humans. This increases the damage risk to gardens, decks, and grass. It also gets the animal dependent on the food supply which puts them at risk once it stops. They dig dens underneath houses, dig up yards, and destroy fences and other outside structures.
Foxes are wild predators that can pose a threat to pets and young children. There are reports of foxes killing small animals like cats, rabbits, and chickens in urban areas. They are known as being extremely clever and can find their way into yards, even with security fences. Their diet consists of various small animals, fruits, and vegetables, but they are also opportunistic and eat anything they can find, including food from the trash.
On ranches and farms, they are known to raid the henhouse, killing multiple chickens per week. Over the years, they have become a fixture in urban environments. They have large litters, and overtime, their populations have grown dramatically.
If you have a problem with foxes damaging property or killing livestock, it is imperative to control them. Interestingly, like some of us, they have a thing for shoes. Missing shoes have plagued cities across the U.S due to foxes, and in Berlin, Germany, one was found with about 100 pairs of stolen shoes.