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Research at the UC Hopland Research and Extension Center (HREC) has improved our understanding of how to reduce sheep depredation while minimizing the impact on coyotes. Analysis of a 14-year data set of HREC coyote-control efforts found that sheep depredation losses were not correlated with the number of coyotes removed in any of three time scales analyzed (yearly, seasonally and monthly) during corresponding intervals for the next 2 years. Field research using radiotelemetry to track coyotes supported and explained this finding. For example, in 1995, dominant “alphas” from four territories were associated with 89% of 74 coyote-killed lambs; “betas” and transients were not associated with any of these kills. Relatively few coyotes were killing sheep, and these animals were difficult to capture by conventional methods at the time of year when depredation was highest. However, selective removal of only the problem alpha coyotes effectively reduced losses at HREC.

Abstract--Tidewater glacial fjords provide important habitat for breeding harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) that rest, give birth, and nurse pups on icebergs. These fjords also attract tourist vessels that potentially disturb [...]

It is well-known that coyotes maintain exclusive territories in which they are least vulnerable to mortality from humans. Studies also indicate that resident (i.e., non-dispersing) coyotes rarely leave these secure areas when unperturbed. Here, we investigated whether coyotes would maintain their fidelity to territories in the face of human pursuit. We used radiotelemetry to determine approximate territorial boundaries of six coyotes, and then attempted, via on-foot pursuit, to drive these individuals in a straight line, causing them to vacate their territories. Coyotes generally did not allow us to push them in a straight line beyond their territories, but instead doubled back as they approached territory boundaries. In contrast, a transient coyote fled from pursuit in a straight line for a distance equivalent to two or three territory diameters before we ceased pursuit. These findings suggest that coyotes perceive the security of their territories to be sufficiently great as to outweigh advantages of outdistancing their pursuer via straight-line flight.