With coyote mating season ramping up in the coming months, one rescue center in Tennessee issued a warning for pet parents.
The breeding season for coyotes occurs in February and March when females are receptive. The gestation period lasts 58-63 days, and females can have between two and 19 pups in a litter. However, the litter size is usually between five and seven.
Coyotes are looking for mates, marking their territories or searching for scarce food during this time of year. This can sometimes make them “extremely aggressive and active,” the Russell Rescue of Tennessee animal shelter wrote on Facebook in a January 10 post to warn pet parents about the dangers of the coyote mating season.
The post explained that these fast, dog-like creatures can climb fences or wait in the shadows, ready to pounce on a pet when the opportunity presents itself. They’re adaptable, unafraid of entering people’s yards or front porches.
Noting that the Russell Rescue of Tennessee Facebook page has a “large and active group of followers,” volunteer Tara Shaver told Newsweek that they wanted to share this warning to raise awareness and educate owners to keep their pets safe.
“This time of year, when we have less hours of daylight and cooler weather, we may be less likely to be outside with our pets,” Shaver said. “As a result, pets may wander off, or predators may come closer to our home under the cover of night.”
Unsure of how many coyotes-related incidents occurred in the area, she said the rescue center trusts their awareness posts will “help reduce the likelihood of pets becoming prey.”
A stock image of an urban coyote sniffing around a yard in search of food.
Carol Hamilton/Getty Images
These warnings are meant for pet parents across North America. These wild animals can live anywhere from Alaska down through Mexico and across prairies, deserts, forests and cities.
“With the increase in development/construction in many areas, wildlife are being displaced from their homes, so we may see them any time of year,” Shaver said. “If their food sources are reduced and/or it has become difficult to hunt, they look for easy sources of food and water. That could draw them closer to homes and businesses.”
To help protect pets from coyotes, owners should supervise them outside, especially at night. If owners do not have a fenced-in yard, put dogs on a leash. Keep your property well-lit, as lights act as an easy deterrent to predators. Do not leave food out. This will only invite animals to come closer to your home.
Viewer Reactions
The Facebook post quickly gathered attention, bringing in over 1,600 likes and nearly 400 comments.
“Keep your fur babies inside. They are just trying to survive like every other wild animal out there,” one user wrote.
A second commented: “Keeping your animals safe is the answer. Coyotes have a right to be here as much as we do & we need to coexist.”
Another added: “Thank you for posting this VALUABLE information!”
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