Coyotes (Canis latrans) look like small dogs. They have erect pointed ears, slender muzzle and a bushy tail. 
Most coyotes are brownish gray in color with a light gray to cream colored belly. However, color can vary from nearly black to nearly white. Coyotes weigh between 20 to 50 pounds. Being omnivores coyotes eat both meat and plants.
They are found in every part of Western New York State. Swamps, grasslands, brush and dense forests. They have also learned to live in suburbs and cities. Coyotes are most active at night and during early morning hours. Coyotes bed in sheltered areas but do not generally use dens except when rearing their young. Coyotes have good eyesight, hearing and a keen sense of smell.
Problems Caused by Coyotes
Their mere presence may frighten some people. Many people aren’t used to seeing coyotes and may fear them. Much like foxes, coyotes are vocal and they howl and yip particularly at night. Because they are a pack animal they can be very loud this often bothers people and dogs which may be vocal in response only adding to the noise complaint.
hey can kill housecats or small dogs. The coyote expects to be dominant and will discipline the dog until it offers the correct submissive behavior. If the dog doesn’t submit easily, it could be badly injured or killed. Very small dogs and cats are seen as easy prey. Urban chickens are greatly threatened by nuisance coyote problems.
Home gardens are not exempt from fox damage, they’ll eat some vegetables and fruits, especially melons. Water melon is a favorite of the coyote. If the homeowner has water irrigation system in place they may chew on and damage that as well.
Not only will coyotes Coyotes sometimes kill endangered or threatened animals that people are working to protect but often times coyotes hunt the same game mammals and birds that people hunt. This limits and reduces recreation opportunities and usability in some areas. There have also been instances where coyotes will travel along an airport’s runways, causing delays and hazards to aviation and aircraft damage.
Agricultural Fox Damage
They can damage crops, some vegetables and fruits but they particularly enjoy watermelon and may be especially destructive in watermelon fields. Most crop fields have elaborate and complex irrigation systems. Coyotes (and foxes) will chew holes in irrigation pipes in fields and orchards leading to costly repairs and loss of crops from lack of water..
Coyotes do do plenty of damage to livestock and other farm animals. Smaller animals—sheep, goats and calves especially when newly born—are most vulnerable. But coyotes may gnaw at mama cows or pigs at birthing time, while they are down. Fowl are in danger of depredation from coyote, ducks, geese and chickens. Free range birds are most vulnerable to predators like problem coyotes.
Coyote and Disease
Coyotes sometimes carry diseases that can be a threat to man such as rabies or other diseases that are cause for concern in other animals, aside form rabies. Coyotes carry the following diseases: Distemper, hepatitis, parvo virus, mange, and tularemia. to keep animals safe its important to quickly remove nuisance coyote.