Because winter can be a busy time for coyotes, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologists say people can expect to see more of them in the coming months, but not to be alarmed.

“Most young coyotes leave their parents to start looking for new homes during winter. In addition, coyote breeding season starts in January, and coyotes may be more mobile during that time as well,” said Megan Dillion, DNR South Region urban biologist.

Coyotes are common to Indiana, including areas where people gather. It is normal for them to show up not only in rural environments, but also in urban areas.

“Coyotes thrive near people because they like to eat the rodents and rabbits thriving near people, so seeing them in urban areas happens pretty regularly and is not unusual,” said Geriann Albers, DNR furbearer biologist.

As a result, coyotes are an important part of Indiana’s environment, helping control rodent populations and cleaning up dead animals. Coyotes’ main diet consists of rodents and rabbits, but they will eat almost anything, including fruit, insects, pet food and garbage. This is why it’s important to make sure pet food is not left outside and to make sure fruit from trees is picked up.

And better keep an eye on little Fido or your cat, as coyotes will scavenge exposed garbage or other refuse, but will kill and consume house cats and small dogs as well.

“Coyotes may be attracted to bird feeders because mice and squirrels will hang around bird feeders. If you start seeing a coyote and you have bird feeders up, taking them down for a few weeks may encourage a coyote to move on,” said Jessica Merkling, DNR North Region urban biologist.

If you are approached by a coyote and want it to go away, make it feel uncomfortable. Yell, wave your arms, spray it with a hose or throw tennis balls or small stones – but don’t throw anything it may construe as food. Noisemakers such as a jar of coins or a small air horn can also scare away coyotes and are good to carry when venturing outside.

Hunting and trapping are important components of managing coyotes in Indiana; however, not all coyotes are problem coyotes. Many coyotes live around people, pets and livestock and never have negative interactions with them.

When coyotes become habituated to people, problems may occur, and those animals may need to be removed. Similarly, when coyotes begin to prey upon livestock, they also may need to be removed to stop damage from occurring. Removing coyotes not causing problems around livestock can encourage new coyotes to move in which may cause damage.

Landowners, or a person with written permission from a landowner, may take coyotes year-round on private property by trapping or shooting without a permit from the DNR. A landowner does not need a permit to take coyotes on their property by one of the methods – but a hunting or trapping license is required to hunt or trap coyotes on land other than your own.

If you are confronted by a coyote, never corner or chase it. Make sure the coyote always has a clear path to get away from you.

Who do I call?

Writing about the outdoors for a lot of years, I have fielded hundreds of inquiries about various wildlife situations from concerned citizens and sportsmen. It usually is a case of the individual not knowing who or where to call.

It is funny how many people think I work for the DNR, and some actually express amazement I am “only a writer.” The calls and email inquiries keep coming, but that’s okay!

However, any incident of poaching or intentional polluting requires quick reporting. A citizen observing such an act should call 800-TIP-IDNR (847-4367) immediately. Gather as much information as possible, but never approach, confront suspects or put yourself in harm’s way.

For other instances requiring advice or field help, call your local sheriff’s office and ask to be put in touch with your local conservation officer. The officer can put you in contact with a DNR biologist or the proper agency.

IPA supports Wildlife Act

Recognizing the wisdom of using existing funds for the monitoring and conservation of species at risk in Indiana, the Indiana Parks Alliance (IPA) enthusiastically supports H.R. 4647, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. The bill, with the support of more than 100 cosponsors in the U.S. House, would provide more than $1.3 billion annually in royalties collected from energy and mineral development on federal lands and waters.

A Senate version would require annual appropriations from Congress. Neither version requires a tax increase.

The Act was spurred by a 2016 report of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America’s Diverse Fish & Wildlife Resources, which noted: “These funds would provide states with the resources needed to implement State Wildlife Action Plans, which are designed to conserve 12,000 species in greatest conservation need.”

Scientists estimate one-third of all U.S. wildlife species are in trouble or vulnerable due to habitat loss, invasive species and severe weather taking a toll on birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, butterflies and bees. According to Indiana DNR, among the many species endangered or of special concern are the cerulean warbler, trumpeter swan, black bear, lake sturgeon, red salamander and spotted turtle.

Indiana would be required to provide a $6 million match to fully access the $20 million estimated as the state’s share of the newly dedicated funding source. Advocates are urged to contact their House and Senate legislators and ask them to join as cosponsors.

Next Level Trails grant program

Gov. Eric Holcomb has launched the Next Level Trails grant program, which will dedicate $90 million to connect communities through more hiking, biking and riding trails.

The grant program is divided into two components: $70 million for regional projects and a $20 million for local projects. Each will require a minimum 20 percent project match, which can include monetary contributions, land value and in-kind donations of materials and labor. Projects funded through the program must be open to the public.

The application period for the first round begins Jan. 1 and ends Feb. 15, 2019. Eligible applicants include units of government or 501(c)(3) nonprofits.

Those interested in applying are encouraged to attend one of the application workshops: Dec. 19 at Potato Creek State Park near North Liberty, or Jan. 9 at Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville. Each begins at 3 p.m. ET.

More information is at on.IN.gov/nextleveltrails while details regarding Next Level Connections is at in.gov/gov/nextlevelconnections.htm

Brown County State Park Mystery Hikes

Explore the curious and fascinating side of Brown County State Park with the Mysterious Hills Winter Hike Series. The hikes feature places not normally seen by visitors, including some strange anomalies like a boulder in a tree or a lake that never was. If you feel you have seen all of the state park, these hikes may change your mind.

There are eight hikes in the series. All will start with a meeting at the nature center at 11 a.m., during which participants will make plans and then carpool to the trailhead. Dress for the weather – but find out the specifics beforehand at on.IN.gov/browncountysp

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments may contact Jack Spaulding by email at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.