Mating season could make coyotes more aggressive if they encounter pets, expert says
GREENSBURG, Pa. (KDKA) — February is synonymous with Valentine's Day and love, and it's also mating season for coyotes out in the wild, which means you could be seeing more of them in and around your neighborhood.
The first thing people should know about coyotes, however, is that they are largely shy and most of the year they don't want anything to do with humans or their pets.
Thomas Keller, a wildlife biologist at the Pennsylvania Game Commission, says that this time of year, things can be a bit different with the coyote population in the commonwealth.
"Young coyotes will start to disperse and set up their own territories, look for their own mates," Keller said. "Then of course, adult coyotes generally already have a mated pair, but they will begin to mate for the next litter for the next season."
Sometimes when establishing territories and mates, coyotes can get a little aggressive, especially towards small dogs or cats that they see as threats and a quick meal.
How to protect your pets
Keller says that if you are letting your dog out at night, even in a fenced-in yard, make sure you turn a light on and keep an eye on your pets.
And he says that if you are walking your pet, keep them on a leash and bring a walking stick. And if you do have an encounter, don't run, make yourself big and noisy to scare off the skittish animals.
"Generally, as long as there is a human there and a dog is near the human, coyotes will leave them alone," Keller said. "It is just when they are off leash and they're away from a human, occasionally, we will see a coyote become aggressive with that dog."
Keller also said that if on the off chance you and or your pet are attacked, you should contact your local health department, your pet's vet and the Game Commission so they can refer a warden. The Game Commission's number is 1-833-742-9453.
