[AT] coyotes

[Bruce Moden]

Here in Western New York State, I have noticed an increase in coyotes over the last 15 years since we moved on the farm full time.  I don't know much about them except the stuff you hear & read, mostly that they are nocturnal and howl.  My recent experience was with a rather large coyote walking across my from lawn about 10 AM (full daylight), not too concerned about my being there, we just looked at each other for a while & the coyote retreated into the brush.  
The other morning about 8 AM (again not dark) when I went out to get the newspaper they were up on the hill next to our house and were yipping like a bunch of little lap dogs.  I have heard that when they show signs of behavior changes that prehaps they are sick/rabid, etc. how true is that?  
I have noticed that when the barn light (dusk to dawn) is not on over night they will come down nearer the house.  Neighbors have aske me to keep the light on so they won't come down & bother thier dogs at night, does anyone have any info on thier response to light?  Our county drops rabies vaccination squares (like large chunks of feed, with a biodegradeable label) to keep the rabies down in racoons- does this work on coyotes?  I sold my goats & horse so I don't have any livestock to attract them but they seem to like us for some reason, but we do have lots of ground hogs & turkeys, but I have heard a healthy turkey will get the best of a coyote.
My main question is on the behavior changes that I have noticed.
Bruce