Last night I was gathering some things out of my car and I heard one of the things that just happen to make my skin crawl every single time. Coyotes yipping and howling not too far in the distance. Me being me, I decided to give a quick howl back. Not even 5 seconds later, right across the street in the neighbor’s yard one dashed across the yards on the block.  Let me tell you, they are some quick animals. The single coyote stopped in the middle of the street and was staring back at us. Then, another one came dashing by and stopped with the other in the middle of the street. Knowing that there are pets in a few of the neighbors yards, I grabbed a shovel out of the garage and scraped it across the pavement and yelled. No movement from the two… Then, they both started crouching prowl while keeping their eyes on me the entire time. You know that little crouch your pet does right before they pounce when they are playing or stalking their prey? Yep, exactly what they were doing to me.  What I didn’t know is that there was a third coyote behind me about 20 yards. I kept trying to scare them away, but my futile attempts were not doing any good. So I decided to high tail it back into the house.

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Now, I live in the middle of suburbia in the southwest area of the Denver metro area. After a little research following last night’s encounter, I took to the trusty ol’ internet and I found out that it is mating season for coyotes.  Breeding season for coyotes is from December to February. During this time they become more territorial and have no problem coming into neighborhoods in search of food. Whether it is food from your garbage can, pet food you left outside or in some cases your beloved pet.

Wildlife ecologist Ashely Delaup said that “if your dog becomes a target, that the coyotes will sit outside waiting”. She also said that “they (coyotes) learn their territories extremely well. They know your routines”. Source: 9NEWS

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Take my dogs for example; I let them out in the morning at about 7:30-8 before I head out to work. I also take them out around 10 p.m. before I go to bed. If my dogs were to be targeted by a coyote, they would be sitting around waiting for me to let them out and for how long they are out each time. Giving them a timeframe for an attack is what they are waiting for.

Here are a few prevention tips to help you fend off a coyote if you are in an area where they like to roam:

Have the coyote(s) focus on you – You are the source of danger to them. Make sure they can see you clearly and do not hide from the.

Multisensory scare tactics – Use something to scare them off that makes sound, use light and motion.

Make note of their routine habits – If you know when you might encounter a coyote, you will be ready or be able to avoid these areas when they might be present.

 

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As always, make sure you are keeping an eye on your dog or cat when you are letting them out. This will help being able to avoid a coyote attack on your family pet.

 

 

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