4 Tips For Coyote Trapping on Airports

Management strategies for coyotes should start with understanding the true threat they can be when it comes to air safety. The habitat that airports provide for small birds, and mammals is a huge attractant for coyotes. These animals are extremely adaptive to their ever-changing habitat.  Coyotes are members of the Canidae family and share a lot of the same traits of their relatives: wolves, dogs, foxes, and jackals. They have narrow, elongated snouts, lean bodies, yellow eyes, bushy tails, and thick fur. Coyotes are about as big as medium-size dogs, though they are smaller than wolves. They are 32 to 37 inches (81 to 94 centimeters) from head to rump, according to National Geographic. Their tail adds another 16 inches (41 cm) to their length. Coyotes typically weigh about 20 to 50 lbs. (9 to 23 kilograms)
This species can thrive in forests, farmlands, prairies, mountains, deserts, and swamplands. Coyote populations are known to exist in 46 states, and it is possible that coyotes will soon be present in all states except Hawaii. Coyotes can adapt to populated areas, and thousands of coyotes living within the city limits of Los Angeles (see story) have led to severe management problems. And its not just Los Angeles its everywhere! In the airport wildlife management industry, we at Loomacres have had to delegate more and more resources to coyote control. They are extremely resilient and should not be taken lightly when trying to trap or depredate.

So here are some tips for trapping coyotes on airports

1. Location: When trapping in or around an airport travel routes around a fence line or even a hole in the fence might be your best bet. Look for sign (tracks, fur, feces) and set your traps accordingly. Coyotes will typically travel the perimeter of an airport fence line as a form of cover and for a path of least resistance.
2. Scent Control: Whether you are using a live cage trap or conibear trap you should always use caution with what scent you leave behind. Always wear gloves and try and keep your bait separate from the traps. Coyotes are extremely smart and very attentive. Try and use a good pair of binoculars (we recommend Vortex)  to check your trap instead of walking in or around it.
3. Do not Over Bait: Where and how you set your traps is more important than bait. One of the top two mistakes we see beginners make that will educate a coyote quickly is using too much lure/bait, thinking that magic potion is the key. The key to catching coyotes is setting properly bedded traps in the right location. Think of lure/bait as an aid that helps you catch more coyotes, but it is not the reason you are successful.
4. Realistic Appeal: Coyotes are curious creatures by nature but extremely cautious however they will investigate anything that catches their eye. When using a conibear or snare trap use anything in the nearby habitat to catch their eye like a charred piece of wood, clumps of grass or hay.

These are just a few techniques we have adapted and found successful when trapping coyotes on airports. If you have more techniques you would like to share or for more information, please fill out the fields below.

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