Movement and Timing
Coyotes are adaptable and may move during daylight or darkness depending on pressure, food availability, weather, human activity, and seasonal behavior. A single sighting does not establish the size of a local population or prove livestock loss.
Seasonal Factors
Breeding, denning, pup-rearing, dispersal, food availability, and agricultural activity can influence movement and visibility. Patterns may change throughout the year and across neighboring properties.
Livestock Concerns
Document the species and age of livestock affected, date and location, tracks or sign, injuries, carcass condition, fencing, nearby cover, and any camera evidence. When livestock injury or death is involved, veterinary or qualified damage assessment may be appropriate.
Trail Cameras and Records
Use consistent camera locations, correct timestamps, and notes about camera direction. Save original files when possible. Multiple observations over time are generally more useful than isolated images.
Avoid Assumptions
Scavenging and predation are not the same. Tracks near a carcass do not automatically prove cause of death. Good decisions begin with careful documentation and a property-specific review.