Battery of rules govern coyote removal with M-44

By MINDY POEHL | Central Texas Edition

Vick Alexander, pesticide inspector with TAMU, demonstrates setting up the M-44 device for killing coyotes. Above, Alexander drives the stake that holds the sodium cyanide capsule holder into the ground. At right, Alexander carefully screws the powdered sodium cyanide into the capsule holder, wearing gloves because the powder is extremely potent. Photo by Mindy Poehl

Feb. 3, 2005 - Coyotes are found in 48 states throughout the United States. They are adaptable and inhabit most areas, except centers of metropolitan areas. Coyotes are problem causing predators because they eat anything from watermelons to goats.

Coyotes are creatures of habit and are most active at night and in the early morning. They establish regular travel routes along ranch roads, livestock trails, canyons and ridges. A trapper may find these travel routes by looking for signs, such as coyote tracks or droppings.

Their tracks are similar to dog tracks, but dog tracks are more round with the toes spread far apart, showing all toenail marks. Coyote tracks are usually smaller and more rectangular, with the toes closer together and toenail marks on only the middle toes. Coyote droppings, also called scat, contain animal hair and bone fragments. Fresh scats are black, but turn gray or white as they weather.

Alexander carefully screws the powdered sodium cyanide into the capsule holder, wearing gloves because the powder is extremely potent. Photo by Mindy Poehl

On Tuesday, Jan. 25, a coyote management seminar was held at the Falls County Court House in Marlin. Texas A&M University Pesticide Instructor, Vick Alexander, explained how to use M-44 devices with sodium cyanide, to eliminate coyotes.

The M-44 device consists of an ejector unit, stake, capsule holder, sodium cyanide capsule and setting pliers. The device literature recommends using rotten bait with the device to attract the coyote. "When the animal pulls the bait from the ground, the spring ejector releases the sodium cyanide, quickly killing the coyote," Alexander explained.

"Because the sodium cyanide is extremely potent, there are many rules and regulations for using the substance. Only people authorized by the Texas Department of Agriculture may sell or distribute cyanide capsules. M-44 devices may only be used where livestock losses are affected by wild coyotes," he said.

"M-44 devices may be placed in the vicinity of draw stations, where animal carcasses are found, but they must be placed at least 30 feet away from the carcasses," emphasized Alexander. "And, the M-44 devices must be inspected once a week. Two people must know the exact location of the M-44 devices. Bilingual warning signs must also be used to mark the danger of the devices."

After reading the TDA M-44 sodium cyanide use restriction bulletin, Alexander went to the lawn and demonstrated setting up the M-44 device, using a fake capsule of sodium cyanide powder.