As suburban and urban areas expand, encounters between domestic dogs and wild coyotes have become a growing concern for pet owners. Understanding these interactions is important for companion animal safety. This issue is complex, involving various risk factors and requiring thoughtful preventive measures from dog owners.
Estimating Dog Fatalities
Obtaining precise, nationwide statistics on dog fatalities directly attributed to coyote attacks presents significant challenges. No mandatory national reporting system exists, and data collection varies widely by local municipalities or wildlife agencies. This makes comprehensive figures difficult, as many incidents go unreported or unconfirmed.
Available data often comes from localized studies or reported incidents, which offer valuable insights but do not represent a national total. For example, in the Chicago metropolitan area, reported coyote attacks on pets increased from 0-2 to 6-14 per year between 1990 and 2004. A review of cases from a private referral hospital between 1997 and 2012 noted 154 coyote attacks on dogs, with attack frequency increasing by 330%. The mortality rate for attacked dogs in this study was 15.6%. Localized incidents, such as four dogs dying recently out of six attacked in Saugus, highlight the impact.
While coyotes are not typically looking to kill dogs, smaller pets are particularly vulnerable. Differentiating a confirmed coyote attack from other potential causes can be complex, as bite marks from other large domestic animals might appear similar. This further contributes to the difficulty in generating exact figures for coyote-related dog fatalities.
Factors Increasing Risk
Coyotes thrive in diverse environments, including urban, suburban, and rural landscapes. Their urban presence often leads to bolder behavior due to adaptation to human activity.
Dog size plays a significant role in vulnerability; smaller breeds are particularly susceptible to attacks and often perceived as prey. One study indicated that 86% of dogs attacked by coyotes weighed less than 10 kilograms. Unsupervised or off-leash dogs are at a considerably higher risk. Larger dogs, while less likely to be seen as prey, may be viewed as competitors or threats, sometimes leading to attacks by multiple coyotes. Female dogs in heat can also attract male coyotes, increasing the risk of unwanted interactions.
Coyote behavior patterns also contribute to risk. They are highly territorial, and attacks can occur as a defensive response, especially during breeding season (January through March) and pup-rearing season (March through September). Food scarcity can drive coyotes into more populated areas in search of sustenance, increasing encounters. While primarily nocturnal, active at dusk, dawn, and night, coyotes can also be active during the day if food is scarce or when protecting their young. Coyotes may also be attracted to properties by accessible food sources like pet food or even dog feces.
Preventive Measures for Dog Owners
Implementing proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of coyote encounters and attacks. Consistent supervision is a primary defense: dogs should always be kept on a leash, ideally a fixed 6-foot leash, especially in areas with known coyote presence. Dogs should never be left unattended outdoors, particularly during dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active.
Securing property is another effective strategy. Coyote-proof fencing should be at least 6 to 8 feet high, with angled tops or coyote rollers to prevent climbing. To deter digging, fences should extend at least 12 inches, and ideally 2 to 3 feet, underground. Removing potential attractants is also crucial; this includes securing outdoor pet food, fallen fruit, garbage, and compost bins, and regularly cleaning up dog waste. Trimming dense shrubbery can also eliminate hiding spots for coyotes.
In the event of an encounter, dog owners should use hazing techniques to scare coyotes away. This involves making oneself appear large, generating loud noises by yelling or using whistles or air horns, waving arms, and throwing objects near the coyote but not directly at it. Avoid running; instead, maintain eye contact and slowly back away. Motion-activated lights can also serve as a deterrent around properties. For small dogs, specialized coyote vests or spiked collars can offer an additional layer of physical protection, and aggressive animals should be reported to authorities.