Hop-a-long Coyote

[so lucky]

About 7:00 this morning, just before I went out to feed the chickens, we spotted a lame coyote coming up the road towards our yard. Couldn't tell if the bad leg was gone, or just mangled and unusable. I don't like the critters, but I hope he didn't get caught in a trap.
Anyway, he veered off in the woods on the other side of the road, so he wasn't after the chickens. At this time, anyway.
Being lame, do you think he will try hunting in the daytime? Like when my chickens are out foraging?

 

[thistlebloom]

If he's having trouble catching a meal, which being lame he probably is, then he would be likely to go after something easy, like a chicken. Maybe you shouldn't let them out for a while.

 

[Ridgerunner]

If he's having trouble catching a meal, which being lame he probably is, then he would be likely to go after something easy, like a chicken. Maybe you shouldn't let them out for a while.

I fully agree. I'd consider it a pretty strong threat if it came around again and try to put it out of its misery if that is an option for you.

 

[so lucky]

Hmmm. May have to see if DH wants to do the deed.

 

[journey11]

They have open season on coyotes here year-round, no tag needed. Being that he is injured, I think I'd put him out of his misery. Good luck and hope your chickies stay safe!

 

[TheSeedObsesser]

As sad as it is, I agree on putting the coyote out of its misery. It would be better if the chickens could get some safe exercise when they can.

Coyotes can be shot year round throughout the Midwest because they are not a "native" species. With the removal of the trees and the establishment of large cornfields the coyotes have moved east. Even though they were not introduced directly by man, they are still not native. So this may be very different if you live out west, we're coyotes have been living since precolonial times.

 

[thistlebloom]

I think it's legal in nearly every, if not every, state to hunt coyotes year round with no restrictions.

 

[897tgigvib]

Meantime, keep all kitties inside, plus any dog that could not quickly win any battle with it.

Also btw, if you are walking alone where it might be, won't hurt to have a good sized stone in a hand.

There indeed are Coyotes here at the lake. I hear one or more yelping nearby, and several across the lake. Long distance communication for them.

 

[bj taylor]

I think any predator that is injured becomes a serious threat. they can't hunt as usual & hunger drives them to desperate measures - including up close to houses. if it's reappearing, I think it needs to be put down humanely. that's just my opinion.

 

[TheSeedObsesser]

I think it's legal in nearly every, if not every, state to hunt coyotes year round with no restrictions.

Good point, they're sure not endangered. Don't know what I've been getting into lately. Yesterday I was walking up the stairs and fell when I got half way up there. :/