coyote in the driveway!!

[mountainchick5]

My DH pulled up this am and there was a coyote making himself comfy in the middle of our driveway! TOO close for comfort!! Did I worry about the kids on their way to the bus (ok a little) BUT he was near our chicken yard!!! Is there anything I can put near the entrance to the driveway where he came up? Do they avoid ammonia or anything else I can put on the ground? There have also been bear sightings in the neighborhood! HELP!!

 

[feather leg farms]

Bear sighting

 

[gumpsgirl]

Coyotes are sneaky and very smart animals. The best thing to do is to shoot it. I know that sounds cruel, but traps don't work because they are to smart for them and I don't know of anything you can put out to deter them. They seem to be pretty fearless and can be quite vicious. How old are your kids? You need to tell them to be careful as coyotes will attack and drag off toddlers / small children in a heartbeat. If you don't want to kill it, I would check with your local game warden to find out what your options are. They might tell you to hire a bounty hunter. People / farmers have done that here. The bounty's on coyotes in our area are something like $50 a coyote. Heck, you could make yourself $50 and keep your kids and flock safe at the same time!

 

[mountainchick5]

I actually walked the kids down the driveway this morning, I usually watch from the front porch. The bus picks them right up at the end of the driveway, but with all the predators out and about lately, a steaming cup of joe in one hand and a large stick in the other, just in case. The kids have been taught to always carry a stick, walk with the dog, come in before dusk and such. We're known to have bears, mountain lions, coyotes, foxes and hawks where we live. I hope I didn't "bait" our property with the chickens. I keep telling the rooster to shut up! He's blowing their cover!

 

[gumpsgirl]

Ahhh... I just read where you are located and I bet you do have a long list of predators there! I grew up in Montrose before it turned city (the Western Slopes of Colorado) and do know about the issues you are having to deal with. I had a lot of friends that lived out in the hills and they lost a lot of livestock to the cougars and coyotes.

Really, I'd watch for it to return and if it doesn't by some small miracle, I'd just stay alert. If it does, call the game warden. Meanwhile, teach that rooster soft crowing techniques!

 

[JLMom]

Quote:
Her children must be school-aged if they are waiting for the bus, no? Too big to be carried off by a coyote.

(Personally, I can't believe your kids are in school already! Mine don't go back until Spt 10th!)

 

[Dragonfly Ranch]

I might change the stick to a gun to shoot and get rid of it. Yes, they are really sneaky. We had one the other day and by the time my husband could find the key to the gun safe and get out the right gun it was gone. Now I'm worried he'll come back. We had a bear that took apart our compost bin the other night as well - within 10 feet of the chicken coop! Guess that's what we get for living with nature close at hand.

 

[ShrekDawg]

I would stay alert and/or call animal control. and yes I also can't believe they are in school yet. we don't go back until like september 2 then day off then back again. when did they get out?

 

[scooter147]

Deer rifle with a good scope.

 

[gumpsgirl]

Quote:
Her children must be school-aged if they are waiting for the bus, no? Too big to be carried off by a coyote.

(Personally, I can't believe your kids are in school already! Mine don't go back until Spt 10th!)

Yes, this is true but I was wondering if she might have any toddlers that would not be of school age that like to play in the yard.

My kids live outside and my little girl loves to be out there with them. The boys are good at keeping an eye on her, she mostly plays outdoors with my 11 and 13 year old, but I wouldn't ever want them in a position where they felt like they had to defend her and get hurt themselves. That is why I asked about toddlers.