There’s no reason to panic, even though coyotes are getting more active as mating season approaches. You may assist protect your pet and avoid possible interactions with wildlife by taking a few easy precautions.
As someone who grew up in southwest Indiana, I am familiar with coyotes. Indeed, I currently reside in a remote area where packs of these untamed animals may be heard howling at night. Despite their amiable appearance, they are actually quite the opposite and need to be addressed as such. If appropriate precautions are not taken, these “spicy puppies,” as I’ve heard people refer to them online, might pose a threat to your pets, particularly when they’re moving around during mating season.
When is Coyote Mating Season?
The average coyote mating season lasts from the end of January to the beginning of March. Coyotes are opportunistic foragers that will eat anything that has nutritional value, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Even in urban settings, these creatures mostly eat squirrels, rabbits, and small mammals. Since they won’t refuse a simple meal, now is a crucial moment to exercise extra caution around your dogs.
Are Coyotes Dangerous to Humans?
There are coyotes in every part of the state; sightings have been documented since 1816. Although they are elusive and hard to notice, coyotes can occasionally be spotted scavenging for food in fields or even alongside roadways, according to the Indiana DNR. Human attacks are extremely uncommon, and some coyotes can coexist peacefully with people, pets, and animals. Despite this, they are still dangerous to kids and small pets because they are wild animals.
How to Protect Your Pets from Coyotes
A confrontation with a pack of wild coyotes can be avoided by taking a few precautions. A list of suggestions from the Indiana DNR to assist you in navigating the coyote mating season can be found below.
- Feed pets indoors when possible; pick up leftovers if feeding outdoors; and store pet and livestock feed where it s inaccessible to wildlife.
- Eliminate water bowls and other artificial water sources (if possible).
- Position bird feeders in a location that is less likely to attract small animals or bring the feeders in at night (to keep coyotes from feeding on the bird food or the other animals). Take down bird feeders if issues are occurring.
- Do not discard edible garbage where coyotes can get to it. Secure garbage containers.
- Trim and clean shrubbery near ground level to reduce hiding cover for coyotes or their prey.
- Always keep pets leashed and, if kept outside, provide secure nighttime housing for them. Any outdoor pet or poultry runs should have a top to make them more secure and the fencing should be buried in the ground to prevent digging under the fence.
- If you start seeing coyotes around your home, discourage them by shouting, making loud noises, shaking a container of coins, using an air horn or whistle, spraying them with a hose, or throwing rocks or tennis balls but NEVER corner a coyote always give the coyote a free escape route.
The Indiana DNR website has further information about this wild animal.
