As temperatures drop and snow begins to fall, wildlife around Ohio adapts to survive the harsh winter months, including coyotes. While you may see fewer animals during the day, coyotes remain active throughout the winter, often moving closer to residential and commercial properties in search of food and shelter. One of the biggest concerns during this season? Coyotes establishing dens near homes and businesses.
At Dog Gone Wildlife, we receive increased calls in winter from property owners concerned about coyote sightings, tracks in the snow, or unsettling nighttime sounds. In this post, we’ll help you identify where coyotes may be denning, how to spot signs of activity, and what to do if they’ve taken up residence too close for comfort.
Why Coyotes Den Near Homes and Businesses in Winter
Coyotes are intelligent, adaptable animals. While they prefer remote or wooded areas, urban and suburban environments often offer what they need in winter:
- Shelter from wind and snow
- Food sources like garbage, pet food, or rodents
- Proximity to wooded edges, parks, or open fields
That means even well-maintained neighborhoods and commercial properties can attract denning coyotes.
Common Coyote Den Sites Near Structures
Coyotes look for quiet, concealed, and protected areas to dig or repurpose a den. Some of the most common places they may take shelter include:
1. Under Sheds or Decks
These structures offer built-in overhead cover and are usually quiet and undisturbed.
2. Woodpiles and Brush Piles
Stacked firewood or piles of branches can provide enough coverage for a temporary or long-term den.
3. Abandoned Burrows
Coyotes often take over burrows from other animals like groundhogs or foxes, enlarging and adapting them to their needs.
4. Hillsides or Overgrown Landscaping
Slight elevation, shrubs, or erosion-prone areas near slopes and ditches are prime spots for digging a den.
5. Vacant Lots and Edges of Commercial Properties
Undeveloped land near buildings or behind warehouses may be just secluded enough for coyotes to move in, especially if dumpsters or garbage areas are nearby.
Signs of Coyote Activity in Winter
Even if you don’t spot a den right away, these signs may suggest coyotes are active near your property:
- Fresh tracks in the snow (oval-shaped paw prints with four toes and a noticeable stride)
- Scat (droppings) along paths, trails, or near outbuildings
- Yipping, howling, or barking at night
- Disturbed soil or dig marks under sheds, porches, or at the base of hillsides
- Sightings during dawn or dusk, especially near wooded edges or open spaces
If you spot any of these signs, it’s best to avoid the area and contact a wildlife removal professional.
How to Prevent Coyotes from Denning Near Your Property
Winter is a critical time to discourage coyotes from establishing dens. Here are several prevention steps you can take:
Block Off Access Points
- Install skirting or lattice with hardware cloth under decks, porches, and sheds.
- Bury the barrier at least 12 inches deep to prevent digging.
Clean Up Brush and Debris
- Remove woodpiles, fallen logs, and overgrown brush near your building.
- Keep landscaping tidy to eliminate attractive hiding spots.
Secure Trash and Outdoor Food
- Use wildlife-proof garbage bins with tight-fitting lids.
- Don’t leave pet food, bird seed, or compost accessible outdoors.
Install Motion-Activated Lights
- Coyotes prefer darkness, lighting areas near potential den sites can act as a deterrent.
Inspect Property Regularly
- Walk your property perimeter, especially after snowfall, to check for tracks or new digging activity.
Let Dog Gone Wildlife Help You Handle Winter Coyotes
Coyotes are a natural part of Ohio’s landscape, but that doesn’t mean they belong under your shed or near your business. If you suspect coyotes are denning on your property, or want to take proactive steps to prevent them, Dog Gone Wildlife is here to help.
We offer:
- 24/7 humane coyote removal
- Winter den inspections
- Exclusion and prevention services tailored to your property
- Service throughout Columbus, Westerville, Powell, Upper Arlington, and surrounding areas
Contact Dog Gone Wildlife today to schedule an inspection and keep your property safe from unwanted winter wildlife. Let us do the dirty work, so you don’t have to.