Coyotes Breeding Season: Jefferson Country Warns Residents To Protect Pets From Coyotes During Mating Season

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office issued a warning through Facebook, informing residents that the coyotes' mating season had already begun and to practice caution during this time. Coyotes have been emerging as a threat to the people, especially on pets.

According to the Jefferson Country, coyotes are already attacking in rural areas. But they reminded the residents to keep in mind that coyotes can be found anywhere in metro Denver. In fact, they received numerous calls about coyotes following dog owners while walking their pets outside from home.

Thus, they are encouraging all the people, especially the pet owners to always put pets on a leash and to be aware of their surroundings. Moreover, they are encouraging all the residents to review the safety information listed in the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. Here are some of the safety guidelines listed on the site:

How to protect pets from coyotes?

- Always check your pets when they are in the yard, particularly at night.

- To minimize the encounters between the coyotes and your pets, keep your animals in fenced areas.

- If you have cats, keep them indoors.

- Protect your pets from coyotes by making sure their kennels have a fully-enclosed roof.

- Do not allow your pet to run loose as your pet might possibly have a close encounter with coyotes.

- When walking your pet in open space areas, make sure to keep him or her on a leash.

How to discourage coyotes from getting near to your home?

- Remove all food from your yards such as pet food and bird feed because food can only attract coyotes.

- Trim all of your vegetation that can potentially cover coyotes as well as their preys such as mice, rabbits and other small animals.

- Place your trash in a safe place where coyotes can't reach it. Then, put it out in the morning.