How Coyotes are Trapped

The problem in getting rid of wild coyotes is not new for farmers. It may sound inhuman but it is essential to get rid of these animals that may cause potential damage to the farm as well as the livestock.They are mostly found in the western plains of US; they live in burrows, tend to travel in groups, and have a tendency to attack innocent animals.

Trapping coyotes using cages is one of the good and is less complex method. It is also a safe way, which means the risk of harm to the trapped animal is very less. Knowing about the behavioral traits of coyotes is important to be able to trap them successfully.

Always remember that coyotes follow the same path, which is their way of keeping track of any signs of danger and protecting their group from predators. They usually like hills, so that it gets easy for them to keep an eye on the farm or the livestock.

Like some other animals, coyotes too mark scent posts. They depend on their sense of smell to hunt. Their senses of vision and hearing are also developed. They are pretty efficient at sensing danger, because of which trapping them is not very easy.

A trapper's set should include a hammer, several digging tools, screen dirt sifter, pan covers, beeswax, scent, gloves, kneeling cloth, and a whisk broom. Cages are considered as good options for trapping coyotes. Number 3 or 4 double spring leg hold set that comes with offset jaws is preferred by the experienced. Also, the trap should be rust-free.

Finding the scent posts left by coyotes is an important step in trapping them. They generally leave scent posts by urinating in certain areas like turfs of grass, near animal carcasses and skeletons, or near bushes. They also scratch near the scent posts. Shepherd dogs can be of help in tracing coyotes and their scent posts.

A trap can be placed near the scent post left by the animal. For better results, the traps are placed in an open area. The wind current needs to be taken into account if a bait is placed. This ensures that its scent reaches the coyotes.

The trap is placed in an upwind direction. Saddles in high hills, isolated areas, hills, isolated hay bales, pasture roads, trail junctions and livestock trails, waterways, brush piles, fence crossings, etc. are the perfect places for setting traps.

There are chances that the coyote digs out the trapping set. In this case, the traps have to be placed again, and it needs to be ensured that they are well-hidden. Placing a bait helps and as a matter of fact, placing an old but working clock can also do the trick. The animal gets attracted to the clock's ticking.

A dead mouse, gopher or rabbit can also be used as a bait for the coyotes. Tying a dead fish is also a good idea, as the smell of fish attracts coyotes.

Also, the trap should be checked often, and no traces or smell should be left behind. It is advisable to use gloves to handle the traps, so that the human scent is eliminated.

After the coyote is trapped, the local animal control authorities should be contacted for further action.

Preventing conflicts with coyotes is the best way to keep these animals at bay. In a scenario of having to face them, not feeding them, not provoking them, and trying to drive them away through harmless means are better ways of eliminating danger.