Monster coyote track

[Trish1974]

Just wanted to share a pic of this monster coyote track I took this morning. I had just woken up, came downstairs, glanced out the window and saw what my sleepy eyes thought was a deer walking through the trees. As it cleared the treeline I realized it was a coyote. Biggest dang coyote I have ever seen in my life! It was the same size as the soon-to-be yearling deer I have on the property. I wasn't even going to try my .22 LR on it! I went out onto the back deck and started yelling at it. It took a few strides then turned around and look at me. I started clapping and beating the handrail and it just continued to stand and look at me. It finally trotted off. I will put out my game cam for the next few days while temps are decent to see if he returns. This pic was taken about 30 minutes after the sighting. I researched the average length of a coyote paw print is 2 1/2". This one measured a hair over 3".

 

[N F C]

Good idea to get your game camera out! You didn't say, but I'm assuming your flock is ok?

 

[Trish1974]

Good idea to get your game camera out! You didn't say, but I'm assuming your flock is ok?

Yes, they are housed on the other side of my property in a Fort Knox run. Unfortunately though there is still quite a bit of snow on the ground so my electric fence isn't effective. My neighbor should worry though; as the 'yote was focused on his pasture where he has 2 small calves.

 

[llombardo]

Could be a wolf or coy-wolf.

Was it this big?

 

[Kris5902]

That’s really big for a coyote! First thing I’d do after seeing your animals are safe is call up the neighbor... if the calves are with their mamas they should have some protection, but it’s always nice to have a heads up! (Our cows get down right nasty to our Border Collies when they have calves, even older ones!). Maybe your neighbor has a bigger gun?

If it’s a lone coyote it’s not as bad for the cows, but if it has a pack, that could be a problem. We had huge issues with coyotes at our house in the city. Groups of 3-4 sometimes out in full daylight. Primary prey being cats, but they did also get the occasional small dog, even leashed ones being walked by their owners through the park.

 

[pennyJo1960]

I grew up 8 years in Wisconsin had many coyotes back then but legal to shoot them
back them check local laws let the neighbor know also game cameras are great

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Good Luck keeping your flock safe!

 

[perchie.girl]

One thing to remember Foot prints in the snow appear larger because the snow melts they widen. Game camera would verify...

 

[MROO]

Primary prey being cats, but they did also get the occasional small dog, even leashed ones being walked by their owners through the park.

I'd never be any good ... ever again! In fact, I think that would reduce me to a blithering fool ... right before I hired every sharpshooter in the county!

 

[llombardo]

The most recent local dog related coyote Attack was 2-3 coyotes up against 2 pit bulls and a smaller dog. It appears the put Bulls were protecting the smaller dog. One pit bull was mauled to death, second pit bull serioudly injured and the small dog has a couple bite/scratches on head areas the pit bull definitely died for the smaller dog.