How to Humanely and Effectively Trap a Coyote

Coyotes are intelligent and adaptable animals that can pose a significant threat to livestock, pets, and even humans in some areas. Managing coyote populations is crucial for protecting property and ensuring public safety. Trapping is one method employed for coyote control, but it’s essential to approach it responsibly, ethically, and legally. This article provides a detailed guide on how to trap coyotes humanely and effectively, covering essential considerations, equipment, techniques, and legal aspects.

**Disclaimer:** *Trapping regulations vary significantly by state, county, and even local municipality. It is *absolutely crucial* to check and adhere to all local, state, and federal laws and regulations before setting any traps. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Always prioritize safety, legality, and the ethical treatment of animals.*

## I. Understanding Coyote Behavior and Ecology

Before attempting to trap a coyote, it’s crucial to understand their behavior, habits, and ecology. This knowledge will significantly increase your chances of success and help you implement humane trapping practices.

* **Social Structure:** Coyotes are typically social animals, living in family groups consisting of a breeding pair and their offspring. During certain times of the year, particularly during breeding season, they become more territorial and defend their areas aggressively. Understanding their social dynamics can help you identify areas where trapping might be more effective.
* **Diet and Feeding Habits:** Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they eat a wide variety of foods. Their diet includes small mammals (rabbits, rodents), birds, reptiles, insects, fruits, vegetables, and carrion (dead animals). In areas where livestock is present, they may prey on sheep, goats, and poultry. Understanding their preferred food sources in your area can help you choose appropriate bait.
* **Home Range:** Coyote home ranges can vary depending on factors such as food availability, habitat type, and population density. They can range from a few square miles to several square miles. Identifying their travel routes and areas of high activity is essential for trap placement.
* **Senses:** Coyotes have excellent senses of smell, hearing, and sight. They are very wary animals and are quick to detect anything unusual or out of place. This heightened awareness makes them challenging to trap, emphasizing the need for careful planning and execution.
* **Intelligence:** Coyotes are highly intelligent animals capable of learning and adapting to new situations. They can quickly learn to avoid traps if they have a negative experience. Therefore, it’s crucial to use trapping techniques that minimize the chances of them becoming trap-shy.

## II. Essential Considerations Before Trapping

* **Necessity:** Before considering trapping, evaluate whether it’s truly necessary. Explore other non-lethal methods for managing coyote populations, such as livestock guarding animals, fencing, and habitat modification. Trapping should be considered as a last resort when other methods have failed.
* **Legal Requirements:** Research and understand all applicable laws and regulations. This includes obtaining necessary licenses and permits, understanding trapping seasons, adhering to trap placement restrictions, and knowing mandatory trap checking requirements. Contact your local wildlife agency or department of natural resources for information on trapping regulations in your area. Keep a copy of these regulations with you while trapping.
* **Non-Target Species:** Identify potential non-target species in your area, such as domestic animals, endangered species, or other wildlife. Implement measures to minimize the risk of catching non-target animals, such as using selective trapping techniques and setting traps in areas less likely to be frequented by non-target species.
* **Humane Treatment:** Prioritize the humane treatment of animals. Use traps that are designed to minimize injury and stress. Check traps frequently, as required by law, and dispatch trapped animals humanely. If you catch a non-target animal, release it unharmed if possible. If the animal is injured, seek veterinary assistance.
* **Landowner Permission:** Obtain permission from landowners before trapping on their property. Respect their wishes and follow any guidelines they may have regarding trapping practices.
* **Public Safety:** Consider public safety when setting traps. Avoid setting traps in areas frequented by people, such as hiking trails or parks. Post warning signs to alert people to the presence of traps.

## III. Necessary Equipment and Materials

* **Traps:**
* **Foot-hold Traps:** These traps are designed to restrain an animal by the foot. They are available in various sizes and designs. Choose traps that are specifically designed for coyotes and have features such as padded jaws or offset jaws to minimize injury. Leg-hold traps are controversial and heavily regulated, so ensure their legality and proper use are thoroughly understood. Many jurisdictions require these traps to be covered.
* **Snares:** Snares are loops of cable or wire that tighten around an animal’s neck or leg. They can be effective for catching coyotes, but they also pose a risk of injury or death to non-target animals. Snares are often regulated and may be prohibited in certain areas. If using snares, use break-away snares and follow all regulations closely.
* **Cage Traps:** Cage traps are humane traps that capture an animal alive in an enclosed cage. They are effective for catching coyotes, but they can be bulky and difficult to transport. Cage traps are a good option if you want to release non-target animals.
* **Trap Preparation:**
* **Cleaning:** Thoroughly clean all traps to remove any human scent or other odors that might deter coyotes. Use a degreasing agent and then boil the traps in water with baking soda or logwood dye. After cleaning, store the traps in a clean, airtight container.
* **Waxing or Dyeing:** Waxing or dyeing traps helps to prevent rust and corrosion and also helps to mask their metallic appearance. Use a commercially available trap wax or dye, or make your own by melting beeswax or paraffin wax and adding dye.
* **Bait and Lures:**
* **Bait:** Coyote bait can include a variety of animal products, such as meat scraps, fish, or commercially prepared baits. Choose a bait that is attractive to coyotes in your area. Consider using tainted bait, where meat is allowed to partially decompose to enhance its scent.
* **Lures:** Coyote lures are scent-based attractants that are designed to entice coyotes to investigate a trap set. They are available in various scents, such as gland lures, urine lures, and food lures. Experiment with different lures to find what works best in your area. Use a squirt bottle to apply the lure precisely to the desired location, such as on a nearby bush or rock.
* **Digging Tools:** A small shovel, trowel, and sifter are essential for digging trap beds and concealing traps.
* **Gloves:** Wear clean, scent-free gloves when handling traps and bait to minimize the transfer of human scent.
* **Scent Control:** Use scent-control products, such as scent-free soap, deodorant, and clothing, to minimize the amount of human scent you leave at the trap site.
* **Markers:** Use flags, stakes, or GPS coordinates to mark the location of your traps. This will help you find them easily and avoid accidentally stepping on them.
* **Dispatch Tool:** A humane dispatch tool, such as a firearm or a catch pole, is necessary for euthanizing trapped animals.
* **First Aid Kit:** A first aid kit is essential for treating minor injuries that may occur while trapping.
* **Camera:** A camera can be useful for documenting your trapping activities and identifying potential trap locations. It is especially important if your state requires reporting the success or failures of your trapping season.

## IV. Trap Selection and Modification

* **Foot-hold Traps:**
* **Jaw Spread:** Choose a trap with an appropriate jaw spread for coyotes. A jaw spread that is too small may not effectively restrain the animal, while a jaw spread that is too large may cause unnecessary injury. Most trappers recommend a jaw spread of 5.5 to 6.5 inches.
* **Jaw Type:** Choose traps with padded jaws or offset jaws to minimize injury. Padded jaws have rubber or plastic inserts that cushion the impact of the trap, while offset jaws have a small gap between the jaws to reduce pressure on the animal’s foot.
* **Spring Strength:** Choose traps with strong springs to ensure a quick and effective capture. Weak springs may allow the animal to escape or cause it to struggle for an extended period.
* **Chain and Swivels:** Use traps with heavy-duty chains and swivels to prevent the animal from breaking free. The chain should be at least 18 inches long and have at least two swivels.
* **Snares:**
* **Cable Diameter:** Choose snares with an appropriate cable diameter for coyotes. A cable that is too thin may break, while a cable that is too thick may cause unnecessary injury. Most trappers recommend a cable diameter of 3/32 inch or 1/8 inch.
* **Locking Device:** Use snares with a locking device that prevents the snare from loosening once it has tightened around the animal’s neck or leg. There are many types of locking devices, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Experiment with different types to find what works best for you.
* **Break-Away Device:** Use snares with a break-away device that allows the snare to break if a large animal, such as a deer or elk, is caught. This will help to prevent serious injury or death to non-target animals. A break-away device is often required by law.
* **Cage Traps:**
* **Size:** Choose a cage trap that is large enough to comfortably accommodate a coyote. A cage that is too small may cause the animal to become stressed or injured. A cage that is too large may allow the animal to move around too much and avoid the trigger.
* **Trigger Mechanism:** Choose a cage trap with a reliable trigger mechanism. The trigger should be sensitive enough to be activated by a coyote, but not so sensitive that it is easily triggered by wind or other environmental factors.
* **Construction:** Choose a cage trap that is made of sturdy materials and is well-constructed. The cage should be able to withstand the weight and strength of a coyote.

## V. Trap Placement Techniques

* **Location, Location, Location:** Choosing the right location is critical to success. Scout the area to identify coyote travel routes, feeding areas, and den sites. Look for signs of coyote activity, such as tracks, scat, and urine markings. Place traps in areas where coyotes are most likely to encounter them.
* **Dirt Hole Sets:** This is a classic and effective set for coyotes. Dig a small hole at an angle, as if a coyote had dug it themselves. Place the bait at the back of the hole. Set the trap a few inches in front of the hole entrance. Cover the trap with dirt and blend it in with the surrounding area. Use a urine lure to attract coyotes to the set.
* **Scent Post Sets:** Coyotes use scent posts to mark their territory. These are typically prominent objects, such as rocks, logs, or bushes. Place a lure near the scent post and set the trap a few inches away. Coyotes will be attracted to the scent and will step on the trap as they investigate.
* **Trail Sets:** Place traps along coyote trails. Be sure to choose a location where the trail is narrow, forcing the coyote to step directly on the trap. Conceal the trap carefully and blend it in with the surrounding area.
* **Water Sets:** Coyotes often travel along streams and rivers. Place traps in shallow water along these waterways. Be sure to use traps that are designed for water use and are resistant to rust and corrosion. Submerge the trap completely and cover it with a thin layer of mud or sand.
* **Blind Sets:** A blind set is placed in an area where there is no bait or lure. It relies solely on the coyote’s natural curiosity or travel patterns. These sets are often placed in narrow passages or along fences.
* **Trap Bed Preparation:** The trap bed is the area where the trap is placed. It is important to prepare the trap bed carefully to ensure that the trap is properly concealed and that it functions correctly. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the trap. Place a piece of hardware cloth or screen wire at the bottom of the hole to prevent the trap from sinking into the soil. Set the trap in the hole and cover it with dirt. Use a sifter to remove any clumps or debris from the dirt. Blend the trap bed in with the surrounding area so that it is undetectable to coyotes.
* **Anchoring:** Properly anchor the trap to prevent the coyote from escaping. Use a heavy-duty stake or drag. Drive the stake deep into the ground or attach the drag to a nearby tree or rock. Make sure the anchor is strong enough to hold a coyote.
* **Concealment:** Concealment is critical to success. Coyotes are very wary animals and are quick to detect anything that is out of place. Use natural materials, such as leaves, grass, and twigs, to cover the trap and blend it in with the surrounding area. Avoid using too much cover, as this can make the trap look suspicious. Make the set look as natural as possible.

## VI. Scent Control Techniques

* **Cleanliness:** Maintaining strict cleanliness is paramount. Wash your hands thoroughly with scent-free soap before handling traps, bait, and lures. Wear clean, scent-free clothing. Avoid smoking or eating while setting traps.
* **Gloves:** Wear gloves whenever handling traps, bait, and lures. This will prevent the transfer of human scent to the set.
* **Boot Covers:** Wear boot covers to prevent tracking human scent through the area. You can purchase commercially available boot covers or make your own by cutting the toes off of old socks.
* **Urine Post:** Establish a “urine post” near your trapping area. Urinate on the ground in this location to mask any human scent you may leave behind. This may seem counterintuitive, but coyote urine is a natural scent that will not deter them.
* **Scent-Free Sprays:** Use scent-free sprays to eliminate any remaining human scent on your clothing, boots, and equipment.

## VII. Trap Checking and Animal Handling

* **Frequency:** Check traps frequently, as required by law. Many jurisdictions require traps to be checked at least once every 24 hours. Checking traps frequently minimizes the amount of time that an animal is confined and reduces the risk of injury or death.
* **Approach:** Approach the trap cautiously. If a coyote is caught, it will likely be agitated and may try to bite or scratch. Observe the animal from a distance to assess its condition.
* **Humane Dispatch:** If you intend to dispatch the coyote, do so humanely and efficiently. Use a firearm or a catch pole. A firearm is the most humane method of dispatch. Aim for the head or chest to ensure a quick and painless death. If using a catch pole, secure the animal’s neck and apply pressure until it loses consciousness. Then, dispatch it with a knife or other sharp object.
* **Non-Target Release:** If you catch a non-target animal, release it unharmed if possible. Approach the animal cautiously and try to identify it. If it is a domestic animal, contact the owner or local animal control agency. If it is a wild animal, try to release it by opening the trap or snare. If the animal is injured, seek veterinary assistance.
* **Documentation:** Document your trapping activities. Keep a record of the date, time, location, and species of each animal caught. This information will be helpful for future trapping efforts and for reporting to wildlife agencies.

## VIII. Ethical Considerations

* **Respect for Wildlife:** Trapping is a controversial practice, and it is important to approach it with respect for wildlife. Remember that coyotes are living creatures with their own intrinsic value.
* **Humane Treatment:** Treat all animals humanely, regardless of whether they are target or non-target species. Use traps that are designed to minimize injury and stress. Check traps frequently and dispatch animals humanely.
* **Transparency:** Be transparent about your trapping activities. Inform landowners and neighbors that you are trapping on their property. Post warning signs to alert people to the presence of traps.
* **Education:** Educate yourself about coyote behavior, ecology, and trapping techniques. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to trap coyotes humanely and effectively.

## IX. Legal Considerations

* **Licensing:** Obtain all necessary licenses and permits before trapping. Contact your local wildlife agency or department of natural resources for information on licensing requirements in your area.
* **Regulations:** Familiarize yourself with all applicable trapping regulations. This includes trap placement restrictions, trap checking requirements, and reporting requirements.
* **Trespassing:** Obtain permission from landowners before trapping on their property. Trespassing is a crime and can result in serious penalties.
* **Liability:** Be aware of your liability for any injuries or damages that may result from your trapping activities. Carry insurance to protect yourself in case of an accident.

## X. Alternatives to Trapping

* **Livestock Guarding Animals:** Livestock guarding animals, such as dogs, llamas, and donkeys, can be effective at protecting livestock from coyotes. These animals bond with the livestock and will defend them from predators.
* **Fencing:** Fencing can be used to exclude coyotes from pastures and other areas where livestock are kept. Use a fence that is at least 6 feet tall and has a buried apron to prevent coyotes from digging under it. Electrified fencing can be even more effective.
* **Habitat Modification:** Habitat modification can be used to make an area less attractive to coyotes. This can include removing brush and other cover, reducing food sources, and increasing human activity.
* **Hazing:** Hazing is a technique that involves scaring coyotes away from an area. This can be done using loud noises, bright lights, or other deterrents. Hazing is most effective when it is done consistently and in conjunction with other methods.

## Conclusion

Trapping coyotes requires a deep understanding of coyote behavior, a commitment to ethical and humane practices, and strict adherence to all applicable laws and regulations. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of success while minimizing the risk of injury to animals and ensuring public safety. Remember that trapping should be considered as part of an integrated approach to coyote management, and it is important to explore other non-lethal methods before resorting to trapping. Always prioritize safety, legality, and the ethical treatment of animals.

**Disclaimer:** This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Consult with a qualified wildlife professional or your local wildlife agency for specific guidance on coyote trapping in your area.