Warning: It’s Coyote Mating Season And Your Pets Could Be In Danger
Coyotes are typically nocturnal and not usually seen by humans, but recently there have been many daytime sightings.
Just because you haven’t seen a coyote, doesn’t mean they don’t live nearby. Coyotes live in all states, except Hawaii, and can be found in Canada and Mexico. While attacks on humans are rare, the likelihood of a pet being attacked increases during mating season.
Coyotes are on the prowl for food and a mate once mating season starts in late December. However, the peak breeding time is late February to March.
Since it is technically mating season, the Humane Society of Granville County issued a warning statement to pet owners. “Do not let your dogs out alone and don’t allow your outdoor cats to roam. Although coyotes are prevalent in outlying and rural areas, they’re also thriving in suburban and urban areas, and smaller towns as well.”
The post went on to say, “Male coyotes can become more aggressive during this time of year, the long and short of it all is that coyotes always pose a risk to your dog (and other small pets). That risk increases during mating season.”
The warning is not just for small dogs and cats, but large dogs as well. “Spay or neuter your pet. Coyotes are attracted to and can mate with unspayed or unneutered domestic dogs. Unspayed female dogs in season can attract male coyotes. Un-neutered male dogs can be lured away by the scent of a female coyote in her ovulation cycle. Additionally, male dogs can be lured by the female coyote’s scent and killed by male coyotes.”
Coyotes are intelligent animals that watch and learn routines. “If you let your dog out every evening at 9 p.m., chances are that a coyote is well aware of your routine. He might be waiting in the shadows at 9 p.m. sharp. So change your schedule a bit, walk your dog on leash close to you, and keep a close eye on them at all times.”
While most coyotes will avoid humans, others that are hungry will take the risk of leaping over fences to attack small dogs, cats, and any other small animals. Officials tell pet owners not to leave their pets outside alone, even if they have a fenced in yard.
Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter wrote, “Dogs should not be left outside alone in an electric fenced in area. Coyotes will jump over even high fences, so please alert your neighbors that they should not feel overly comfortable just because they have a fenced in yard.”
The Humane Society of the United States tells pet owners to follow two simple steps to prevent coyote attacks. “Coyotes may mistake small, unattended pets as prey or attack large dogs they view as threats to territory or dens. To keep your animals safe, take two simple steps:
1. Watch your pets. Keep cats indoors, and never leave small dogs outside unsupervised or let any dog out of your yard off leash.
2. Secure food sources. Store garbage in wildlife-proof containers and feed pets indoors.”
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