SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Coyotes are entering their mating season and will continue seeking mates into March, prompting wildlife experts to urge pet owners to take extra precautions.<\/p>\n
While coyotes typically keep their distance from humans, their search for mates and food can bring them closer to residential areas. Sara Karnes with the Missouri Department of Conservation said coyotes can be found in cities as well as rural areas, brushy countryside, and open farmlands.<\/p>\n
Although mainly nocturnal, coyotes may appear during daylight hours.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you do see them out and about during the day, they\u2019re usually just trying to find their food and get out of there. And, they don\u2019t want to be around others. But, they do prey on smaller animals like rabbits or mice,\u201d Karnes said.<\/p>\n
Pet safety recommendations<\/p>\n
Smaller dogs and cats can become prey for coyotes, especially those that play, eat, or sleep outdoors. Karnes said pet owners should monitor outdoor feeding and avoid leaving food unattended.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf they are feeding anything outside, monitor it. Don\u2019t leave it unattended. Try not to leave any food out. If you\u2019re trying to feed those animals, like outdoor cats or anything like that, try to bring that back in,\u201d Karnes said.<\/p>\n
Leigh Daniels, co-owner of All About Dogs & Cats, said making noise can deter coyotes during walks.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can use an air horn, a whistle, things like that, you would maybe put in your backpack or whatever for your walk. Stomping your feet, just making a lot of noise. The big thing is don\u2019t just turn your back and run,\u201d Daniels said.<\/p>\n
Leash recommendations<\/p>\n
Daniels advocates keeping small pets under close supervision and recommends standard leashes over retractable models.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re just more difficult to manage. You\u2019ve got to retract it and try to get them pulled back up to you quickly, which sometimes you may not be fast enough to do that. They\u2019re also not as thick, so they can break a little bit easier if the dog is pulling very hard on that leash as well,\u201d Daniels said.<\/p>\n
While standard leashes typically measure six feet in length, shorter leashes provide better control. The Missouri Department of Conservation has more information on coyotes<\/a>, coyote control<\/a>, and hunting\/trapping coyotes<\/a>.<\/p>\n