How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

DESCRIPTION OF THE PEST

Coyotes are usually brownish gray in color and weigh about 20 to 45 pounds. They have adapted to a wide variety of habitats, including suburbs of many cities.

DAMAGE

Coyotes do feed on some citrus pests, including rodents and rabbits. Damage to orchards is caused when they chew on flexible irrigation lines and when they enlarge the burrows of other animals, such as ground squirrels.

MANAGEMENT

If coyotes are causing damage, they can be shot or trapped using specific snares and traps. They are classified as a nongame animal, so no permit is required. It is good advice to alert your local California Fish and Game (CDFG) office if you decide to use shooting or trapping, especially if you have neighbors in close proximity. In some CA counties, the Agricultural Commissioner has trappers who can assist with the trapping. All traps must be tagged with a trap identification number from CDFG. In some instances coyote dens may be gassed, but this may only be done by county agricultural commission staff or U.S. Department of Agriculture—Wildlife Service staff.

PUBLICATION

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Citrus
UC ANR Publication 3441
Vertebrates
M. W. Freeman, UC Cooperative Extension Fresno County
R. E. Marsh (emeritus), Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology, UC Davis
T. P. Salmon, UC Cooperative Extension, San Diego County

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