Keeping Your Pets Safe from Coyotes

Most wild animals avoid confrontation and will only attack when harassed; however, this is not always true of coyotes today. These canines have become aggressive predators because of the fact that their natural habitat has been severely encroached upon. These days coyotes are seen more and more often in residential areas searching for food and water. In fact, coyotes are being seen quite frequently in very urban areas.

Coyotes can be scared away with non-killing devices like paintball guns, banging pots and pans, firecrackers and so on. However, it is best to maintain an environment that does not tempt coyotes at all. Keep any sources of water like birdbaths and pet dishes behind fencing to prevent coyotes being able to access them. Don't leave dog or cat food out as it will attract them. A coyote's natural diet consists of small vermin, carrion, and birds as well as some fruit and vegetation; however, these are becoming scarce. To a coyote, a cat or small dog is an excellent meal, so if you live anywhere near woods, desert, or prairie, you must be very sure to watch your pet carefully when it is outside. Be sure that your pet is always up-to-date on rabies vaccines.

A full grown coyote weighs between 30 and 45 pounds. It is about the size of a medium sized dog. Coyotes can run about 30 miles per hour, and of course they are a lot more aggressive and vicious than your average house cat or dog. Additionally, coyotes often run in family groups, so they are very able to gang up on a larger dog.

You can identify a coyote kill by the pattern of wounds and feeding. Very often, coyotes will kill a larger animal by seizing its throat. This causes suffocation and gives the coyote the advantage. The coyote may have to adjust its hold to keep a good grip on its prey. For this reason you will often see a series of bite marks in the neck and throat of an animal that has been attacked or killed by a coyote. If the animal is running away, coyotes may seize the tail or hind legs to slow it down so it can be caught. Coyotes usually start eating their prey in the soft areas, the stomach (especially of nursing females) and behind the ribs. They will also attack female animals that are in labor, taking advantage of the animal's inability to escape and eating the emerging infant.

Sometimes it is hard to tell if an animal has been killed by coyotes or dogs. Coyotes are efficient. If a coyote kills an animal you will see the type of wounds described above, and the carcass will have been consumed at least partially. Feral or wild dogs are also quite efficient. Their kill will look a great deal like a coyote kill. On the other hand, domestic dogs that have gotten loose are usually not very efficient killers, so you will see a lot of mutilation in animals that have been killed by loose domestic dogs. Additionally, dogs that are fed usually kill for sport and do not eat their kill.

If your dog or cat is attacked by coyotes, it is highly likely to be killed and eaten. Don't endanger yourself by trying to intervene unless you are able to do so safely (that is, if you have a gun and are a good enough shot to kill the coyotes before they kill your pet). Banging pots and pans and spraying the coyotes with water is unlikely to be helpful in this instance. It is best to stay out of harm's way and call 911 for help.

If you are able to rescue your pet, you should get it to the vet as quickly as possible for proper treatment. Don't delay, even if the wounds don't look serious. There could be a great deal of bruising, tearing and trauma internally. Additionally, small wounds and/or puncture wounds tend to become infected quickly. Of course, if your pet is bleeding profusely, you should apply first aid. Hold a compress of clean cloth or gauze firmly against the wound until the bleeding stops or slows significantly and secure it with a bandage. Then rush to the vet.

Coyotes are subject to all the same diseases as dogs, so you will want to be sure to keep your dog's (and cat's) vaccines up to date, especially rabies. If your pet is bitten by a coyote (or other wild animal) it is a good idea to have your vet give it a rabies booster.

Clearly, the very best way to deal with a coyote attack is to never allow it to happen! Keep your pet safe in your yard or on leash at all times. Keep an eye on your pet. Don't let your cats or dogs wander about unsupervised. Bring your pet indoors at night. Never leave a dog chained and helpless outdoors at night. Keep your ear to the wind. If you hear coyotes in your area, be sure your pets are safely contained.

For more on wildlife, you may enjoy:

Animal Welfare and the Tourist Industry
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2194971/animal_welfare_and_the_tourist_industry.html?cat=16

Dogs & Snakebites in the United States
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2200691/dogs_snakebites_in_the_united_states.html?cat=53

Snakes and Other Natives
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/939085/snakes_and_other_natives.html?cat=44