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I live in town and heard coyotes calling, should I be worried?
The scientific name for a coyote, Canis latrans, means “barking dog.” They earn this title by being one of the most vocal wild mammals in Missouri with at least 11 different vocalizations. From yipping to barking and howling to huffing, scientists believe coyotes use these different sounds to communicate different information to each other.
Coyotes are highly adaptable animals that have taken to urban life quite well. It is important to know that coyotes pose little threat to people. You can be proactive in avoiding conflicts with coyotes by not unintentionally or intentionally feed them. Keep food waste and pet food out of reach. Watch over small pets. Cats and small dogs might resemble a tasty rabbit or squirrel to a coyote. Coyotes take advantage of easy prey when they can but will usually avoid it if a human is nearby.
Submit your questions
Are you curious about the natural world? Take this opportunity to learn more by asking a naturalist from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Submit your question by email or mail and a naturalist will respond by writing you back or may feature your question in our newsletter.
Submit questions to:
Email: capenc@mdc.mo.gov
Mail: Naturalist
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center
2289 County Park Drive
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
 Coyote walking in the snow.
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