Coyotes use droppings, or scat, as a way of claiming an area: when other coyotes see or smell another coyote's scat, they know that the area is already occupied. A pile of scat says "mine" to other coyotes passing by. If you are seeing coyote droppings in your neighborhood there is a good chance that someone in the neighborhood is feeding them, intentionally or unintentionally. Food is a major attractant for coyotes, so make sure that you and your neighbors are not leaving food out at night. An area with good food resources is not only an attractant, but it also can support more coyotes. In fact, coyotes often have larger litters of puppies in a neighborhood with food available than in a more natural environment. Keep coyotes out of neighborhoods by stopping food attractants.

Pictured right: Coyote scat with contents of grey squirrel. Coyotes often forage on road kill such as squirrels. You may also find scat containing berries, seeds, or a higher concentration of hair and bones from prey.