It is not uncommon for coyote sightings to increase during the winter months in Wisconsin. In parks and natural areas, foliage is sparse so it may be easier to see coyotes moving throughout their environment. Although urban coyotes are primarily active during dawn and dusk in order to avoid human interactions, the winter season presents challenges to a coyote’s typical routine. Because their main food sources such as rodents and wild vegetation are harder to come by in winter, coyotes may expend extra energy to locate food sources elsewhere. Sometimes, the search for food leads a normally wary coyote to try their luck in our neighborhoods. As we prepare our yards for the winter season, it is a great opportunity to “coyote-proof” the perimeter of our homes. Discourage coyote activity by securing the lids on all garbage bins and replacing any carts that are easily accessible to wildlife. Never leave food scraps outdoors for wildlife, and do not feed your pets outdoors. Keep the ground below bird feeders clean from debris that attract squirrels and rodents, which in turn may attract coyotes. Especially at night, it may be best to accompany your pets when they need to go outdoors.
Winter can also be a time of new pack formations for some coyotes, although this is dependent on available resources and populations in a territory. Transient coyotes from previous litters may seek out a mate and become established in a new space. Mated pairs typically display courtship behavior and may become defensive of their mate, particularly during the height of mating season in January and February. Though they will not use a den until a litter is born, coyotes may begin to select or create new dens and may monitor these areas closely as pup season nears. When visiting parks and other natural areas, exercise regular caution especially in an area with known coyote activity. If you come across a pair of coyotes at a comfortable distance, give them their space and leave the area. If a coyote comes too close, haze the coyote to keep their natural fear of humans intact. It is especially important to make sure that dogs are always on leash so that they do not chase wildlife or investigate a coyote’s space during this time of protectiveness.

Springtime in the life of a coyote is defined by the birth of pups. Mating activity typically lasts from February through March, and new litters are born after a 9-week gestation period in April and May. The number of pups produced is generally dependent on available food resources and the surrounding coyote population, and in urban areas can average around 6 pups. Raising young is a team effort and the entire pack contributes to the success of a litter. More often than not, a coyote pack consists of an alpha pair –the only two members of a pack to mate – and generally one or two of their offspring from previous litters that help raise the current litter. For the next several weeks after birth, the mother spends her time primarily in the den with the pups, while the father and subordinate members take turns hunting and staying vigilant of the den sites. Within a few weeks, coyote pups are weaned and begin to exit the den to play and socialize with other pack members. By the time they are around 9 weeks old, den sites are abandoned, and the pups begin to travel along with the pack for the summer season.
Coyote sightings may decrease during the early spring as the pack sticks close to the den, which in parks and natural areas are often secluded and well-hidden in thick brush, rocky outcrops, and in holes under fallen trees, for example. However, it is important to keep caution when visiting these areas as this is a highly sensitive period for coyotes, and their behavior towards their litters can be extremely protective. A human with or without a pet may experience a type of behavior known as ‘escorting’, where a coyote may follow at a closer distance than usual in order to remove you from the area of their den. Though hazing is usually recommended when in close contact with coyotes, hazing techniques during pup season can be ineffective and can further escalate any tense situations. Therefore, the best course of action is to leave the area as confidently as possible, without running. Keeping pets on leash and close to you is crucial in such a situation. Never let your pets wander into thick brush where there are potential den sites – coyotes are intolerant of dogs during this time and may bite or attack if they feel threatened. In areas where coyote activity is known, the best option may be to walk your pets in more manicured park areas or bring them to one of Milwaukee County’s designated dog parks.