by Derrick |
Last Updated: September 9, 2021 Introduction
Coyotes are known for their ability to adapt to different environments. They can live in deserts, forests, mountains, and even cities. However, there is one thing that has always been constant in their lives – salt licks.
Salt licks are used by coyotes to get water and nutrients. The problem is that these licks attract other animals who also want to use them. These animals include raccoons, skunks, foxes, and yes even coyotes.
Do salt licks attract coyotes? Yes, salt licks can attract coyotes. The salt lick is a natural food and mineral source for these animals, which is why they come to them. If you want to keep coyotes away from your property, then you should remove all sources of food, including salt licks.
Why Do People Put Out Salt Licks?
Salt licks are like a big multivitamin for animals, they are used by animals to supplement their nutrition.
Often hunters will put them out to help deer supplement their diet and since deer are highly attracted to them you may see hunters place them near motion-activated cameras to get pictures of any deer that are in the area.
In some states within the United States, hunters can hunt with certain baits present, this includes salt licks. In some cases, hunters will use salt licks for this purpose (this isn’t a recommendation to do so, and if you do choose to check your state and local laws).
Unfortunately, oftentimes while the intended target of the salt lick is deer you will find a wide variety of other animals who will also frequent the salt lick. This includes raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, birds, etc… and sometimes even bears.
What Else Do Coyotes Eat?
Coyotes are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animal matter. Their diets consist mostly of meat but they have been seen eating plants as well. In fact, it was once thought that coyotes were only scavengers until observation studies discovered that they actually often kill prey.
What Are Salt Licks Made Out Of?
It is no surprise salt blocks and mineral blocks are primarily made of salt. Some also contain other minerals, flavoring, and vitamins that make them more interesting to deer and other game. Coyotes for the most part do not discriminate against any of these blocks.
Do The Benefits Of A Salt Lick Outweigh the Drawbacks?
The benefits of having salt licks on your land outweigh the drawbacks. There are many reasons why people would want to create salt licks on their properties:
1) To provide supplemental nutrition for wildlife such as deer or turkeys.
2) For hunting purposes where salt licks are placed around motion-activated camera sites.
3) As an alternative to other feeding methods
4) Low impact to the surrounding land
Salt blocks are simply really convenient and easy to use so they work well for most folks in most situations. To be sure though there are always exceptions when dealing with wild animals. You need to know what type of animals live in your area before deciding whether or not to add salt licks to your property.
How Can You Limit Attracting Coyotes With a Salt Block?
1) Type of Block: certain mineral blocks may be more resistant to coyotes and other undesirable game animals. Unfortunately, you would need to experiment on each block type to find what works best for you and your area.
2) Location: placing salt blocks at locations where coyotes aren’t normally found could limit how much access they have to them. Again you would need to experiment but placing the blocks in areas closer to your house may be enough to deter coyotes but not deer.
3) Coyote Population Management: if you are truly concerned about coyotes depending on your local laws you may be able to hunt coyotes or obtain a nuisance permit to manage them.
4) Other Methods: there are many methods available to control coyotes such as traps, snares, poisons, repellents, electric fencing, etc… These options vary greatly based on your situation and needs but may be possible to use in a worst-case situation.
In Summary
The benefits of having salt licks around your home far outweigh the drawbacks. They provide an easy way to attract wildlife without the risks associated with putting out food items. Salt blocks and mineral licks will last a long time, are reasonably priced, and can attract a variety of game animals.
The main benefactors of salt licks are deer, so while other animals may utilize them generally it won’t be a huge concern.
I’ve used salt blocks for years now. It’s worked great for me.
