Coyote Love Is In The Air

Love is in the air for Devil’s Lake State Park’s coyote population. Now through early March coyotes will be finding mates and starting new families throughout the park.

As far as we know, there have never been any problems between park users and coyotes. In fact, seeing them at all is pretty rare. You are more likely to hear them howling and yipping just after sunset in less populated areas of the park. You can imagine my surprise to see this pair out exploring the frozen lake on Monday morning.

Coyote Encounter

(click images below to enlarge.)

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I was at quite a distance when I took these photos with a 200mm lens around 7 am. The early morning ice fishermen didn’t seem to notice them at all. I watched them wander around and explore the lake surface for about 20 minutes before they eventually climbed up the steep slope toward the railroad tracks.

As I was leaving the park, I was again surprised to discover that they were still out on the railroad tracks as I passed by! I only had time to grab one blurry picture before they disappeared into the brush near the Grottos Hiking Trail.

Coyotes Are Important At DLK

Coyotes have been “top dog” in Devil’s Lake State Park’s ecosystem ever since wolves were extirpated (wiped out) in southern Wisconsin. Coyotes help to manage rodents (Which can spread various diseases including Lyme Disease.), rabbits and other critters in the park. As scavengers, they also help to clean up the trash.

Leash Your Pets

Now, as I said, there is no history of conflicts with our local coyote population, but still, it’s important for pet owners (As Always!) to keep your pets on a leash this time of year. Male coyotes can be more aggressive during the breeding season. Also, according to the WI Humane Society, spaying or neutering your pet is important here too. Coyotes are attracted to and can mate with unsprayed or unneutered domestic dogs. Unspayed female dogs in season can attract male coyotes.

If You See A Coyote…

If you see a coyote when you visit Devil’s Lake State Park, count yourself lucky! A coyote sighting in the park is quite rare. Still, you want to be smart. While coyotes are rarely aggressive outside of the breeding season, you don’t want to approach them. And of course, dealing with wild animals, there is no perfect response. That said, the general recommendation is to stand tall, intimidate and make noise. Throw small objects (Don’t try to hurt the animal or you’ll make things worse!) Some folks carry can’s filled with pebbles or other things to rattle and make noise. (Oh, and you’re pet is on leash right???) More often than not, the coyote will simply runoff.

Critter Cams

If you want to see our resident coyotes but don’t want to get to close, we recommend you check out our regular Critter Cam postings here and on Facebook!

More To Read

• Coexisting With Coyotes – Wisconsin Humane Society
• A Warning For Pet Owners – AP News
• Coyotes More Likely To Protect Their Turf During Mating Season – Reconnect With Nature
• Diseases indirectly transmitted by rodents – CDC
• Why Killing Coyotes Doesn’t Work – Humane Society
• WHY COYOTES – Project Coyote
• What To Do If You See A Coyote While Taking Your Dog For A Walk – Holidog Times
• What To Do If You See A Coyote – Coyote Smarts