Coyote Danger
According to Preventive Vet, the high risk months for encountering coyotes are approximately February through May and they’ve posted a great list of advice on how to keep your pet safe from these dangerous predators…
What to Do if You and Your Dog are Followed by a Coyote
Do NOT turn your back to the coyote — do NOT run. (Coyotes can run up to 40 mph over short distances… you won’t outrun them.)
Put your dog on a leash, if they aren’t already. Do NOT turn your dog loose to go after the coyote.
Unzip your jacket and hold it wide open or raise your hands above your head and wave them, making yourself appear larger and scarier to the coyote.
Run towards them and make noise to scare or shoo them away — yell “Go Away Coyote,” shake your keys, clap, etc.
Throw rocks, branches, or anything else at your disposal toward the coyote to scare them away. Aim for their feet and generally around them, not necessarily directly at them.
If you live in an area where you know coyotes frequent, you can carry a whistle or fill a soda can with some coins or nuts & bolts. Wrap the entire thing in duct tape and then shake it to use as a noise-maker in the event you encounter a coyote. You can also get mini airhorns that you can carry with you on your walks.
Consider doing your walks and hikes with a can of pepper spray or a water pistol with vinegar-water in it. You can use either to stop a coyote that gets too close.
Note: With all noise-making attempts…. filled cans, whistles, airhorns, etc… take care to have your own dog(s) under good leash control so as not to also startle them and have them run off (or after the coyote).
How to Decrease Your Chances of Running Into a Coyote While Walking Your Dog
Wait until the sun comes up to walk your dog, walk your dog before the sun sets in the evening.
Don’t let your dogs out in the yard without observation before sunrise or after sunset.
Ensure your dog has a SOLID and RELIABLE recall – for the times when he’s off leash.
Walk your dog with other people and walk in well-trafficked areas.
Be aware of the times of year when coyotes are typically more active and bold in your area. Typically prior to, during, and right after their mating season — so often Feb-May, or so.
Spay and neuter your pets, or keep a very close eye and reliable leash on them. (Unless you want a “Coydog” — see interesting tidbit in list below about coyotes and dogs mating – which is NOT a good idea.)