We've now officially entered into coyote mating season, and animal experts want pet owners to know that this means they should take extra precautions to keep their beloved fur babies safe.
According to The Animal Rescue Site, the start of mating season means an increase in daytime coyote sightings, which could put your pets at risk of potential attacks.
During that period of time, coyotes, who are typically nocturnal, are more likely to be spotted out and about during the day. And they can get pretty aggressive when they're on the prowl.
"Male coyotes can become more aggressive during this time of year," a Facebook post from the Humane Society of Granville County reads. "Coyotes always pose a risk to your dog (and other small pets). That risk increases during mating season."
"Unspayed female dogs in season can attract male coyotes," the post reads. "Un-neutered male dogs can be lured away by the scent of a female coyote in her ovulation cycle... and killed by male coyotes."
"If you let your dog out every evening at 9 p.m., chances are that a coyote is well aware of your routine," HSGC warns. "He might be waiting in the shadows at 9 p.m. sharp."
In order to avoid a potential and tragic attack, the organization advises pet owners to change up their schedule, walk their dogs on a short leash, and "keep a close eye on them at all times."
"Dogs should not be left outside alone in an electric fenced in area," Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter, a Conneticut-based organization, wrote in a recent Facebook post. "Coyotes will jump over even high fences, so please alert your neighbors that they should not feel overly comfortable just because they have a fenced in yard."
These include watching your pets closely, keeping them indoors unless they are being supervised, and not letting them off the leash, even while they're in your own yard.
Additionally, the organization advises people to store garbage bags in wildlife-proof containers and not to feed their pets outdoors.
For more information and helpful resources, check out the Humane Society of the United States website.
