Coyote or Fisher?

[OHmamma]

Thanks for the links. My neighbors have actually seen the fisher but from what they described to me it sounds more like a bobcat, yet they insisted it is not. We have a few people within 10 miles of our area that raise exotic animals, who knows what could have escaped from them...

I believe it is a coyote. Perhaps even several. It stayed away last night too. I did catch my own cat in my livetrap. I guess he couldn't resist the sardines. He usually stays inside but I guess he got out last night.

The predator got tangled up in some netting I had beside my coop the last time it was here I think that was why it ran screaming past the house. It had unrolled and drug the netting about 200 feet across the side yard. I have some softjaw traps ordered now. Even if we get it this weekend it wouldn't hurt to have them for next time.

 

[The Wolf Queen]

Cant wait to see what else you catch on the gamecam. Sorry about the predator

 

[bryan99705]

Quote:
"Soft jaw traps"? Sounds like taking a shower with a raincoat on but if it works for you, go gettem

 

[bryan99705]

Don't underestimate how bold a coyote is! I think they taught fox their tricks! As a kid in IA we had coyotes killing sheep and yard birds a lot then sightings & reports started coming in about coy-dogs and close calls with people. But I digress, I don't believe your fighting coyotes, the may jump but will dig before they will try to climb a fence but a fisher will cover a vertical climb faster than you can cover the same distance on flat ground! Try turning some fresh dirt around your coop and any approaches you suspect, sprinkle tuna oil or other attractant and see what you get for tracks. That will help figure out what your after then nail there hide to the wall! (It won't scare them off but you'll feel better

)

 

[mtngrl812]

Coyotes will run in pretty big packs in the spring when the pups are big enough. I have also read that your coyotes are much big than our's out here in the west. Your coyotes have cross bred with wolves, in which case they are bigger and hunter in a more wolf like manner. I'd do like Bryan suggested and rake up the ground so you can get some good tracks to figure out what your dealing with. Coyotes are terrible clever, that is why they have survived regardless of all mankind's efforts to remove them! And Bryan's also right about their boldness.... in AZ they have been known to come in the front door to try and steal a baby!!! If they think they can get way with it they will and jumping a 4 foot fence is nothing!! They are crafty and sneaky, sneaky enough they catch cats. Cats are candy to them, so if you have many ferals running around your place that will attract them too.
Be careful with the leg traps, you'll catch someone's pet. You might tell your neighbors to keep their animals up because your setting traps out. Then if you catch a pet it won't be your fault.
A Fisher would be awesome to me. We have nothing like that out here. I'll trade you a fisher for a skunk, or 2 or 3...... It would just be a unique creature for me to see. Hope you pics of it. I would love to see some.

Good luck, keep us posted!

 

[aprophet]

even with them "soft jaw traps" it does not hurt to add a "crunch proof" swivel or 2 to the chain it will keep the chain on the trap from kinking and becoming solid

 

[archerobx]

I am guessing you are going with soft jaw to protect non target animals? Personally I think offset jaws offer more protection to animal.

http://www.trapperman.com/trapperman/dirthole_set.html


double stake the traps with min 24" rebar .

good luck

 

[Josh45640]

Im assuming that you live in the extreme north part of the state? There have been a few (literally a few) confirmed sightings of fisher in Ohio and they have been just across the border. My guess is that you have something besides a fisher. It is probably a 1 in 1,000 chance of a fisher, unless that exotic pet owner has some. Thats just my opinion though.

Our coyotes are alot different than western coyotes. They are bigger and they dont seem to run in "packs". They will run in pairs or maybe even three. This time of year though, you may see them with the pups. I doubt the pups are big enough to do much killing on their own right now, but they may tag along.

I kow a lot of trappers across the state. If you pm me the county you live in,I can almost guarantee you that I can hook you up with a local trapper to help you out.

 

[parker23]

Hi all, new to forum. I lost 7 laying hens yesterday in broad daylight. Only found 1 body w/ bite marks on neck and body. All others gone, just feather piles. Im thinking either fox or coyote. I dont know what would be so ballzy to come out in the day. Only one lonely Plymouth Rock left and shes in shock. I do have coons around but I only see them at night.
Don
Eastern Ma.

 

[OHmamma]

Quote:
Yours sounds more like a mink or weasel. They will suck them dry and leave the rest behind.

Well the soft jaw traps are on the way but last night the B@#$#@ dug under the pannel fence under the elcetric wire and stole one of my BEAST Black Copper Marans hens. This time there were feathers as she tried to fight it and some were still on the fence bottom. I did not have the camera out because i had brought it in due to the heavy storms we have been having and since it is not mine I was concerned about it being damaged.

I am using soft jaw traps because other types are not legal. To be honest I don't care if I catch a neighbors dog if that is what it is. I will be happy to shoot it too. I have now lost over $300 worth of liverstock to this animal. I have every right to protect those that are left, my dogs and my cats.

Until they get here I am setting this beast up........