How to Protect Pets From Coyotes

Coyotes are no longer animals that you see only in the wild. With land development growing, coyotes are losing land to hunt and live, which means urban areas are often becoming their new habitat. Unfortunately, coyotes are excellent hunters that prey on small animals and pets. Follow these steps to help keep your pets safe.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Keep small animals inside if possible. When necessary to take them outside, always keep them on a leash or inside a coyote proof fence.

2. Make sure rabbit hutches have solid bottoms. A standing hutch with only a wire bottom makes the rabbit easy prey.

3. Don't feed the coyotes. You may be doing this without realizing it. Make sure lids on trash cans are tightly sealed. Feed your pets inside or remove pet dishes and pet food at night. Store your pet food indoors. If you have a garden, make sure it is enclosed with a coyote proof fence.

4. Clean out brush and weeded areas where rodents might live. Coyotes love to prey on small rodents and know where to find them. Coyotes also use the heavy brush to stalk domestic pets.

5. Make loud noises so they won't be encouraged to come back if you see coyotes. You may want to play music while you're outside with your pet so the predators stay away.

Tips & Warnings

• A coyote proof fence should be at least 5 ½ feet tall and made out of solid wood, cement blocks, brick or wire. To prevent the coyotes from digging under the fence, attach a wire apron that is buried 4 to 6 inches in the ground and extends out of the fence about 20 inches.

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