how to get rid of coyotes?

Question

I live in rural SW Missouri. I own 2 acres, with neighbors nearby. I have 4 indoor/outdoor cats. With fall setting in, I am having a problem with coyotes in the yard or very close to the yard. I'm worried that one day, one of my cats will be caught and killed by the coyotes. When the coyotes start howling, I usually jump out of bed, turn on the porch light and start calling the cats to come in.

My husband and I have thought of buying a gun, but that would be too dangerous considering neighbors are on all sides surrounding the house. I've heard of putting steak marinated in anti-freeze out, but again, my pets could eat it too. Some people might say to keep the cats inside during the night, but if they are already out when dark sets in, they often don't come home or they dash out the door when we let the dogs out to use the bathroom.
I can't stand these creepy howling predators. How do I get rid of them cheaply and easily without posing a threat to people or other animals?

I already own a lab, a german shepherd, and a german shepherd/sharpei/bull bastiff mix. I just don't have the heart to make them sleep outside.

I think we are going to use a BB gun, to try to at least scare them away. .

We moved to the country because we didn't want to live in the city. Plus, houses were much cheaper in the country than in town. We also needed a big yard for our dogs to be able to run. We were previously living in a 2 bedroom trailer that didn't have enough room.

Answer 1

use a bb gun

Answer 2

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RE:
how to get rid of coyotes?
I live in rural SW Missouri. I own 2 acres, with neighbors nearby. I have 4 indoor/outdoor cats. With fall setting in, I am having a problem with coyotes in the yard or very close to the yard. I'm worried that one day, one of my cats will be caught and killed by the coyotes. When the...

Answer 3

Yeah I would advise getting a good guard dog... (not a boxer pls theyre too friendly and would end up as a meal for the cayotes)

A rottweiler would be a very good choice. They are very loyal dogs aswell!

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A lab is not a very good guard dog.

German Sheperds are herding dogs they are usually agile and smart but theyr not much of a guard dog against other dogs... (people yes )


A rott on the other hand is alot more reliable than a german sheperd (guarding that is). And I'm sure a good rott could keep those cayotes away.

If the situation call for it get a pitbull! hahaha!

You can set up a dog house outside... Its a matter of making them think that its a safe place for them than to give thme the impression that a dog house or a cage is a "prison".


Another alternative is to get a rifle and shoot the cayotes from an agle (try shooting from the roof or something like that =P

Answer 4

My parents lost a cat or two this way. They finally started feeding them at night, and keeping the cats in. They didn't let the dog out after that, either. I think this worked for them, although the cats they have now are indoor only. You have probably thought of this, but just in case, I thought I'd mention it.
On another note, don't bother killing the coyotes, because they will just breed extra to fill the gap, and then you have more than before. Or so I've heard.

Answer 5

poisoning will get you sent up the river in these parts,
I would suggest a 12 guage with double 00 buck shot, it will kill a coyote at close range but over 50 to 75 yards it will drop ti the ground but still yet always shoot safely and know whats on the other side

Answer 6

You MUST call the state (local) wildlife department (office). Placing poisoned bait is illegal in many parts. Apart from fencing in your property, expensive proposition and not always fail-safe, all you can do is have them trapped to be relocated. Find about local laws and regulations. Local pest control companies might have a better answer (solution). Don't feed them, bait, them or leave out trash or other refuse that can possibly attract them. One the biggest concerns is that coyotes could transmit rabies. Stay clear of them. Usually they are really shy and avoid people and homes. Firecrackers are a very good deterrent to scare them away. DO NOT CORNER THEM.

Answer 7

So why did you move out in the country if you are afraid of coyotes. I grew up with them, we had them all of the time in our pastures, they raised their litters in our terraces. Never lost any cats that I know of, though we did loose a few ducks once. Our dogs were large enough to keep them away, cats are smart enough to climb trees and get away. Sounds like you need to move if you are that parnoid, wild domestic dogs are a bigger problem than coyotes--they will more likely kill your cats than the coyotes will.
Poisoning is cruel, and will likely kill your own animals or your neighbors'. If you choose to live in the country, you should accept the fact that wildlife lives there too, and was there before you.

Answer 8

Perhaps buy a large dog big enough to keep the coyotes at bay but not be considered a vicious dog. Some ideas might be a Boxer dog or German Shepherd.

Answer 9

In most states and towns they have an animal control that may be able to set out traps for them and put them in another area. Here in Nevada we shoot them but we have no close neighbors.

Answer 10

Certain animal urines will keep them away. I think Deer urine works(i can't remember) Call your local garden center and find out what they have in stock for coyote repellent.

Answer 11

Well, in my humble opinion, you should probably move somewhere where there are no carnivorous animals. Coyotes have been around for more than two hundred thousand years, while human encroachment has only been going on for about ten thousand years. While I know it is human nature to destroy it should be how can we live with nature instead of finding ways to destroy what we mistakenly think of as our property.