BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — As February ushers in the coyote breeding season, residents and recreationists in the Boise area are being urged to take extra precautions with their pets to prevent conflicts with coyotes. Fish and Game biologists are emphasizing the importance of vigilance, particularly in the Boise Foothills, where interactions between coyotes and domestic dogs are more likely to occur.
Conflicts can happen year-round, but the risk heightens from late February through June. Coyotes may perceive dogs as prey or competition, especially during their breeding season. “As with any wildlife species, it’s not uncommon for coyotes to become more aggressive and territorial during their breeding season – particularly toward other canine species, and more rarely towards humans,” said Ryan Walrath, regional wildlife manager. In the Boise area, this season typically spans February and March, with increased territorial behavior continuing into the denning season and spring as coyotes rear their pups.
Recent years have seen incidents involving coyotes and domestic dogs on popular trails like Hulls Gulch and Military Reserve, which are frequented by hikers and located near homes. These areas also serve as preferred denning habitats for coyotes, increasing the potential for conflict. “To put it simply, if you’re living or recreating here, you should expect to encounter coyotes,” Walrath said. He advised that adjusting personal behaviors can reduce the likelihood of encounters turning dangerous for pets or people.
Fish and Game strongly advises keeping dogs on a leash on all Boise Foothill trails from February to June, even on trails where off-leash dogs are permitted. “This can help minimize the risk, because a human near a leashed dog is typically a strong deterrent,” Walrath said. However, he cautioned that a leash does not guarantee protection from a territorial coyote.
In areas where dog-aggressive coyotes have been recently reported, Fish and Game recommends avoiding those locations for a few weeks to ensure safety.