Coyotes can often be heard yipping and howling in residential neighborhoods. Ernest Figueroa has some tips to keep you, your pets, and the coyotes safe…
Coyotes are smart, persistent and put pets at risk. Follow these tips to protect your animals.
• Never feed coyotes. Secure trash cans and keep property clear of food sources like fallen fruit.
• Keep unattended pets inside or in fully enclosed runs, especially at dawn, dusk or at night when coyotes are most active.
• Coyotes can easily scale garden walls and fences under six feet tall. And fencing should extend 18 inches below ground.
• Keep dogs on short leashes to avoid allowing a coyote between you and your pet.
• Have a whistle or horn on hand.
• Never turn your back or run from a coyote as it will invite them to chase.
A big mean dog may be the best coyote deterrent, but even a large dog can fall prey to a determined pack. If you encounter a coyote, stand tall and make noise. Leash your dog and back away. Use a big stick or throw rocks. Mace, whistles, air horns and garden hoses can also run off a coyote.
