Coyote breeding season typically begins in January and runs through February, which calls for extra protection and caution regarding pets. According to the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife (KDFWR), breeding season could make coyotes more aggressive and cause them to roam more. 

According to an article shared by KDFWR, a “sprawl” has driven coyote wandering closer to suburban areas, putting pets within city limits at higher risk of being attacked. 

“Coyotes, once limited to the prairies of central North America, are now common in suburban and urban areas across the country,” the article reads. “Coyote sightings increase during certain times of the year. Coyotes roam more as breeding season begins in January and February.” 

According to the article, coyotes can be seen into July as they care for their new pups. Sightings pick up again in the fall when juveniles disperse to find their own territories. 

There are a number of ways people can keep their pets safe from coyotes. According to Ashley Thompson, director of the Daviess County Animal Shelter/Animal Control, pet owners should make sure their dogs and cats are kept in a safe place and out of harm’s way. However, she said, that doesn’t just apply to coyote breeding season.

“We get calls of coyote sightings and attacks all year,” Thompson said. “They’re going to go where the resources are, where there’s something to eat.” 

Thompson suggested pet owners supervise smaller dogs and cats at all times, calling coyotes “curious” creatures that oftentimes don’t mean to injure or kill somebody’s pet. They simply just want to check the animal out and get too aggressive, she said. 

“They’re not eating those pets as much as killing them by throwing them up in the air,” she said. “It’s just nature to them. They’re in their natural environment.” 

According to KDFWR, coyotes may be less tolerant of people around their dens while they are raising pups. Coyotes use a variety of dens, which can include hollow trees or logs, rock crevices, excavated holes and junk piles. 

One of the biggest reasons for coyote attacks stems from people feeding them, the department added, causing coyotes to lose their natural fear of humans. 

KDFWR offers a few ways to keep pets safe from coyotes during breeding season, which include: 

• Do not leave pet food outside

• Bring bird feeders inside at night and remove the seed that falls on the ground

• Secure garbage containers and compost bins

• Keep barbecue grills clean, including the grease trap

• Supervise pets in the yard as coyotes can climb over and dig under most fencing

• Plug holes under fences and block access to crawl spaces under sheds and buildings

• Keep cats inside

• Walk your dog on a short, non-retractable leash that is highly visible; a coyote is less likely to attack a dog if they see it as part of you. Avoid walking your dog at the same time or same route every day, as coyotes learn patterns

• Do not let your dog chase or “play” with a coyote; the coyote will defend itself and your dog may be injured

• Clean up dog droppings, as they will attract coyotes