Use caution during coyote mating season
SUPPLY, NC (WWAY) — You may see more coyotes out this time of year. Well, that is because coyote mating season is roughly from January to March.
During coyote mating season, the males tend to roam more looking for mates. When females are pregnant, they look for a place to burrow. Once they have the pups, they become more protective.
Coyotes are known for taking small pets, so it is important to use situational awareness and be aware of your surroundings when letting a pet outside. Also note that coyotes will pick up on a pattern. Therefore, if you let a pet outside at the same time every day, a coyote may be waiting outside at that time every day.
Sergeant Matt Criscoe with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has tips to try to help keep coyotes away.
“If you got fruit trees or stuff like that. Or bushes that need to be trimmed that would be a den area for a coyote. Just clean the food up, clean anytime of fruit tree up or something like that. Keep your property manicured and don’t make it as inviting for a coyote to burrow and keep their pups in,” Criscoe said.
Crisco adds if you encounter a coyote make yourself bigger, throwing your arms in the air, screaming and yelling will help deter a coyote.
For more information on coyotes, go to the NC Wildlife website.
