From their twilight howl to their clever ability to adapt to almost any environment, coyotes have made a home among us. In Alabama, sightings have increased over the past few years, making encounters between coyotes and pets cause for concern.
Given their ability to adapt to both rural and urban settings, it’s important to raise awareness about coyotes and their behaviors, as well as how to keep pets safe from an encounter.
Understanding Coyotes
Coyotes (Canis latrans) are members of the canid family, which includes our loveable dog companions and wolves. Weighing between 30-50 pounds, these pack animals tend stay within their territory unless displaced by lack of food, habitat, or competition.
With the development of many cities and communities, these adaptable creatures have learned how to exist on our “turf.” With the splintering of former pack home ranges, transient coyotes (or those traveling alone) are more common. These are often the single coyotes you see along a road or alleyway who are more likely to be scavengers.
Although a coyote’s natural diet consists of mice, rabbits, and insects, they will also eat whatever is available, including trash, livestock, and pets.
Preventing Encounters Between Coyotes and Pets
Fortunately, predation by coyotes can be prevented. Coyotes are generally shy and will not approach a person, although they might observe you from a distance. Of course, there are always exceptions. If an animal is sick or starving, behavior could be drastically different.
Along with being a risk to small mammals (particularly outdoor cats), coyotes carry many illnesses and parasites. This includes parvo, mange, heartworm, and intestinal worms. This is another good reason to ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and is on a monthly parasite preventive.
To reduce the number of encounters between coyotes and pets, owners should consider the following:
Do not feed your pet outside or leave bowls of food around the porch, deck, or yard.
Use wildlife-proof trash containers or store garbage cans in your garage until they can be emptied.
At night, bring outdoor cats inside or offer shelter in a secure barn or garage.
Keep your dog on a leash when out for a walk, especially in rural areas (particularly if you have a small or toy breed).
If you live in an area with coyotes or other wild animals, consider installing wildlife perimeter fencing (6 feet or higher).
If a coyote approaches you and your pet, keep your pet close or pick him or her up. Raise your hands, and shout “No” or “Stop.” Do not turn your back; maintain awareness of the coyote at all times.
If you’re dealing with a nuisance coyote, contact Madison County Animal Control for instructions on how to proceed. Alert other pet owners in the area.
Most importantly, always supervise your pet when he or she is outside. It only takes a few minutes for an attack to occur.
Coyotes and pets can be a dangerous mix, and being prepared can make a big difference to you and your companion. For more information about the risks wildlife can pose to your pet, please contact the team at Madison Animal Care Hospital.
