Many people assume coyotes don’t live in suburban or urban neighborhoods because they don’t see them. but that assumption can be dangerous for your animal companions.
Coyotes often hunt small mammals such as mice, voles, and rabbits. given the chance, they will also make a meal out of a cat, tame or wild.
Dogs, especially smaller breeds, are also at risk, although attacks on them are rarer.
The best way to protect your pets is to only let them outside when you are with them, especially at night, and keep pet food and water inside.
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protect your cat
Coyotes aren’t the only threat cats face when outside, there are far greater dangers. When you allow your cat to roam freely outdoors, even for short periods of time, you expose her to dangers like cars, dogs, disease, coyotes, poisons, and cruel people. if you want your cat to be safe, keep it indoors.
Some people let their cats outside because they mistakenly believe it’s cruel to keep cats indoors. The truth is, cats that are protected from the dangers of the outdoors live longer, happier lives. (You’ll also be helping the neighboring wildlife to stay safer and happier.) we have guidelines to help you keep your indoor cat happy.
protection of feral cat colonies
People who feed feral cats often worry that coyotes will prey on the cats. these concerns are well founded, as coyotes will be attracted to both outdoor pet food and the cats themselves as prey. here are some general suggestions to keep these cats safer:
- feed cats only during the day and at a set time, and pick up leftovers immediately
- provide escape routes for cats
- In open or treeless areas, erect “jack posts”: long pieces of wood (four inches by four inches or corner posts) that protrude at least ten to twelve feet from the ground. these can be climbed by cats but not by coyotes
- raise feeding stations beyond the reach of coyotes, but not cats
- deter/harass coyotes seen on property. go after them aggressively, using the techniques outlined in our coyote hazing guidelines. making them feel uncomfortable will encourage them to stay out of the area.
- solutions for coyote conflicts [pdf]
- coyote conflict prevention [pdf]
- coyote hazing guidelines [pdf]
- coyote management plan [pdf]
- Coyote Defenders Toolkit [pdf]
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protect the dogs
Dogs (especially small dogs) are also vulnerable to confrontations with coyotes. these incidents usually involve coyotes that are accustomed or habituated to people (usually due to wildlife feeding) or coyotes protecting their territory and young (usually during breeding season).
Dogs (especially small dogs) should not be left outside unattended, should never be on a chain, and should always be kept on a leash in public areas. it is important that you never let your dog interact or play with a coyote. Pet food and water should be kept indoors to avoid attracting coyotes to your yard.
Although “attacks” on larger dogs are rarer, coyotes will sometimes chase a large dog when they feel their territory is threatened. this usually occurs during the coyote’s breeding season, which runs from January to March. during this time, it’s especially important not to let dogs outside unattended and to keep them on a leash when in public areas.
Fencing may be used to keep coyotes out of residential yards, but must be at least six feet high and extend at least six inches underground or be parallel to the ground at least 12 inches and secured with landscape staples . Devices like the “coyote roller,” which “rolls” coyotes trying to climb over the fence, can improve the effectiveness of a fence. your fence to prevent coyotes from jumping over it, and fit a mesh apron to the bottom of the fence (extending at least 12 inches out and secured with garden staples) to prevent coyotes from digging under.
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