SEDL / STP / STP625-EB / STP27061S

Test Methods for Determining the Efficacy of Coyote Attractants and Repellents

Linhart, SB
Research biologist, biological technician, biological technician, and pharmacologist, Denver Wildlife Research Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Center, Lakewood, Colo.

Dasch, GJ
Research biologist, biological technician, biological technician, and pharmacologist, Denver Wildlife Research Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Center, Lakewood, Colo.

Roberts, JD
Research biologist, biological technician, biological technician, and pharmacologist, Denver Wildlife Research Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Center, Lakewood, Colo.

Savarie, PJ
Research biologist, biological technician, biological technician, and pharmacologist, Denver Wildlife Research Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Center, Lakewood, Colo.

Pages: 9    Published: Jan 1977

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Abstract

Methods whereby candidate coyote repellents and attractants can be evaluated are described. Repellents were tested by conditioning wild-caught captive coyotes to feed upon tethered domestic rabbits. Coyotes were then offered treated and untreated rabbits on alternate days for a ten-day period. Efficacy of candidate compounds was based on kill rates. Difficulties associated with field evaluation of repellents are discussed.

Potential coyote attractants were evaluated in the field by recording visitation rates to scent stations. Each scent station consisted of a 3-ft circle of sifted earth in the center of which was placed a capsule containing a candidate attractant. Attractants were alternated between scent stations; animal tracks present at each site were recorded daily until sufficient data were obtained to permit comparisons. Problems that may confound the analysis of attractants by use of captive coyotes are reviewed.