With the continued encroachment of civilization and urban development upon their natural terrain, coyotes are becoming more and more of an issue and concern in areas that you might ordinarily think would not have the problem. Coyotes are more and more being seen and indeed causing problems in suburban and even urban areas. They are being forced out of their natural habitats, and therefore end up in your backyard, more often than not lost and hungry.

        Many people are very concerned about the interaction of coyotes with cats or dogs. Do coyotes kill cats? YES! but so do foxes, dogs, bobcats, vehicles, and even great horned owls. Cat owners need to be aware that cats allowed to roam free are at risk from many different factors. To protect your cat, keep it indoors, or allow it outside only under supervision. Coyotes in some areas appear to become "specialists" at catching and killing cats.

        Dogs and coyotes a problem? Maybe. Conflicts between dogs and coyotes occur mostly in the months of March and April. It is during this time that coyotes are setting up their den areas for the soon-to-arrive pups. Coyotes become exceptionally territorial around these denning sites in an attempt to create a safe place for their young. Coyotes view other canines (dogs) as a threat to their young. Essentially it comes down to a territorial dispute between your dog and the coyote. Both believe that your yard is their territory.

        Owners of large and medium sized dogs have little to worry about. Coyotes, with an average weight of 35 lbs., know they are overmatched by large dogs and will yield part of their territory (your yard) to the dog. A confrontation may occur between a mid sized dog and a coyote. Such confrontations, however, usually do not involve physical contact between the two animals. The dog and coyote usually come to an understanding on whose territory is whose.

        Owners of small dogs have cause for concern. The outcome of a confrontation between a small dog and a coyote will depend a lot upon the behavior of the dog. A coyote knows it is physically superior to a small dog and expects the dog to be submissive. Trouble occurs when a small dog does not submit to a coyote. The coyote will discipline the dog to correct its inappropriate behavior. This discipline will continue until the dog submits or is eventually killed.  Very small dogs, e.g., toy size breeds and types, are viewed by coyotes as easy prey and are at risk to be killed year-round.

       You need to be vigilant in watching and supervising your property - and granted this depends on how large your property is. At the very least be sure that your dog is fully up to date on all immunizations, especially rabies. If you have a large property, contain your dog in a smaller area closer to your house. Even dogs that are in contained areas of yards need to be supervised if you are in a coyote prone area or there have been sitings in your area. If in doubt, protect your pet and its area as though the coyote was a predator and take proper steps - secure your dog's run, be sure there are not other food sources readily available (don't leave pet food, outdoor cooking leftovers, etc. outside) and keep close supervision on your pet when it is outdoors. If you have a major problem with coyotes in urban/suburban areas, consider any of the natural repellants that are available at farm and garden supply stores, and/or call your local police or human officers - very often they will trap the coyote and release it in a more appropriate habitat.