What Does a Coyote Den Look Like?

One of the most sticky and dangerous situations you can get yourself into is accidentally happening upon a den and youngsters of *insert wildlife species*. We are probably all aware of and have heard stories about inadvertently getting in between bear cubs and their mum (and the term 'momma bear') but most of us don't know what's happening when we are seemingly being stalked by a coyote. If you find yourself in such a situation, chances are you have gotten a little close for comfort to a coyote den and what you are experiencing is quite normal coyote behavior. But, what does a coyote den look like? 

Typical Coyote Den Locations

You'll generally find coyotes in dens just during pup season; otherwise, they'll sleep out in the open (but under cover of trees or foliage). They may temporarily seek refuge from larger predators or the elements in a den, but won't linger longer than necessary. When they have little ones, their den can be a hollowed-out tree, a rock outcrop, or even an abandoned den of another species altogether. When coyotes do build their own den, it will likely be under a protective cover like plants, trees, or buildings and be situated on a slope to allow for drainage.

Natural Terrain Features

Coyote burrows are often dug in sandy soil, on the slope of a ravine. Trees with exposed roots offer cavities with great cover. Large downed trees with hollows also make for excellent den sites. Openings or caves can turn into dens in mountainous terrain.

Urban and Suburban Settings

Any site that has been abandoned or sees little to no traffic may become home to a coyote family. Coyotes may excavate under old foundations, porches or even under no longer in use machinery. Shut down construction sites offer a plethora of possibilities.

Seasonality

Mating season and the casual search for an abode fit to raise a family starts in January or February. After a 60-65 day gestation period pups are whelped anywhere from late March to mid May. They will stay with their parents for 6-9 months. Interestingly, coyotes will often change dens and move the whole kit 'n caboodle to a new site. This can happen several times during those first 9 months. 

Physical Characteristics of Coyote Dens

Size and Shape of Entrances

The entrance (or the main entrance) usually measures about 1-2 feet in width and height and resembles a somewhat triangular shape. You'll often see claw marks running vertically from the peak down. That said, a coyote den can have more than one entrance/exit. It also depends on whether this is an original coyote den or repurposed from other animals such as fox, raccoon, or badger.

Interior Structure and Layout

A coyote den can be located 4-10 feet (or even more!) underground and measure 30 feet in length. There will be a chamber 2-3 feet wide by 1.5-2 feet high and possibly tunnels leading to other exits.

Signs of Coyote Presence Around the Den

With coyotes often switching dens, discovering a den may not necessarily mean it is active. Signs of activity may include fresh dirt outside the entrance (pointing to a recent expansion or clean out), fresh tracks and paw marks, hair and a well travelled path leading to the entrance. You may also notice coyote feces around - this serves as territory markers.

What Does a Coyote Den Look Like Compared to Other Animal Burrows?

Recognizing the difference between a coyote den and other animals' burrows isn't always easy; especially, since coyotes are known to take over spaces created by others. The biggest difference between a coyote and fox den, for example is the size of the entrance. Coyotes will often widen existing openings to make it an appropriate space for themselves and their offspring. Clues to look for are fresh coyote tracks and hair, listen for coyote yips and howls, escpecially at dusk.

Safety Considerations When Approaching Potential Dens

Have you heard about curiosity and the cat? Yeah, the same applies to dogs, children, and even adults. When moving about in coyote habitat, it may be very tempting to try and catch a glimpse of adorable coyote pups playing - but it is a decidedly bad idea. Coyotes make excellent parents and are fiercely protective of the den and their young. If you suspect that you have come into the vicinity of a coyote den, the wise thing to do would be to avoid the area until fall. Coyotes will appear to 'stalk' you - in actual fact, they are suspiciously surveilling you. You are quite likely near a den and have activated one of the strongest and most universal instincts known to every species on earth - that of a worried parent.

Hawkeye Knows Coyote Behavior

When it comes to coyotes, caution is definitely in order. There are increasing numbers of reported coyote sightings and potentially dangerous encounters - some resulting in injuries. However, we need to make sure that we give these animals space when they are raising their pups. A coyote keeping a keen eye from a short distance away on people who wander close to a den is justified and to be expected. Even a coyote facing you and displaying threatening behavior doesn't necessarily make for an unprovoked attack. Again.. depending on where you are, this may simply be a parent looking out for his or her offspring. The animal may not be looking for conflict at all; they just want you to leave. YOU are perceived as danger.  If at all possible, avoid this particular nature trail you and your dog so enjoy until the end of summer. 

If a situation like this occurs in your backyard or close to human occupied spaces, however, it's time to call in the Wildlife Control Experts. Whatever you do, do not engage the animal(s). The consequences could be catastrophic. If removing human traffic and thus avoiding conflict is not an option, then the coyotes will have to be relocated. Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control are the only animal wildlife control service in Ontario with the expertise and experience to handle wildlife den identification and coyote problems. Contact Hawkeye if you suspect a coyote den around your home or property.