If someone were to ask you what precautions you take to keep your pet safe from Orange County coyotes, would you be able to list any? Many pet owners assume coyotes do not live in their suburban or urban area because they do not see them. Making this assumption, however, could put your pet at risk for a dangerous encounter with a coyote.



Coyotes are, indeed, dangerous to cats, dogs and other pets. Although California coyotes typically hunt small animals, such as mice and rabbits, they will attack other animals depending on circumstance. If a coyote is given the opportunity, they will attack your pet cat, as well as tame or feral. Dogs of smaller breeds are also at risk for an encounter with a coyote, although attacks are rare to occur. Two simple ways to keep your pet safe is to keep their food and water in the house and to accompany pet outside.

Many cat owners have the belief that it Is cruel to keep cats indoors, and they allow their cat to roam free outdoors. However, outdoor cats face dangers other than coyotes. They are exposed to cars, dogs, diseases, etc. Indoor cats are safer, and they live longer. Smaller breeds of dogs are also at risk of a coyote encounter. These attacks typically occur in coyotes who are accustomed to humans and when a coyote is protecting their territory, or pups, usually during breeding season. Coyotes will also attack a larger dog if they feel their territory is being threatened. This is a rare occurrence that typically happens during breeding season. The breeding season of coyotes is around January through March. This is a very important time to take precautions, in order, to protect your pet, such as avoiding letting your pet outside unattended, and when you take your pet into public areas make sure they are kept on a leash. Referring to dogs, those of the smaller breed should especially be accompanied outside and they should not be chained. As well as they should be kept on a chain in when taken into public areas.

Fencing can be used in residential yards to protect your pet from a Orange County coyote encounter. The fence should stand at least six feet tall and should extend about six inches underground, or be parallel to the ground at least twelve inches, as well as secured with landscaping staples. If fencing is your choice of method to protect your pet from a coyote, this will be an appropriate way to do so. Coyotes are dangerous to our beloved animal companions, whether we realize that they are in our area or not. Taking these precautions will provide protection from a coyote attack on our pets.

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