
How to Keep Your Pets Safe During Coyote Mating Season in Indiana
Coyotes are becoming more active as mating season begins, but there's no need to panic. By following a few simple steps, you can help ensure your pet's safety and prevent potential encounters with wildlife.
Having grown up in the southwest region of Indiana, I'm no stranger to the coyote. In fact, I currently live in a rural area where you can even hear packs of these wild beasts howling at night. While they may look like friendly dogs, they are quite the opposite and must be treated as such. These "spicy puppies," as I've heard people call them online, can be dangerous to your pets if proper precautions are not taken—especially when they are on the move during mating season.
When is Coyote Mating Season?
Coyote mating season typically runs from late January through early March. According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), coyotes are opportunistic foragers that will consume anything of nutritional value. These animals primarily feed on small mammals, rabbits, and squirrels, even in urban environments. They will not turn down an easy meal, making now an important time to be extra vigilant around your pets.
Are Coyotes Dangerous to Humans?
Coyotes are present in all areas of the state, with records of sightings dating as far back as 1816. The Indiana DNR notes that coyotes are elusive and difficult to spot, but they can occasionally be seen foraging for food in fields or even along highways. Attacks on humans are quite rare, and some coyotes even live near people, pets, and livestock without issue. That said, they are wild animals and still pose a risk to small pets and children.

How to Protect Your Pets from Coyotes
There are several preventive measures you can take to avoid a confrontation with a pack of wild coyotes. Below, you'll find a list of recommendations from the Indiana DNR to help you navigate coyote mating season.
- Feed pets indoors when possible; pick up leftovers if feeding outdoors; and store pet and livestock feed where it’s inaccessible to wildlife.
- Eliminate water bowls and other artificial water sources (if possible).
- Position bird feeders in a location that is less likely to attract small animals or bring the feeders in at night (to keep coyotes from feeding on the bird food or the other animals). Take down bird feeders if issues are occurring.
- Do not discard edible garbage where coyotes can get to it. Secure garbage containers.
- Trim and clean shrubbery near ground level to reduce hiding cover for coyotes or their prey.
- Always keep pets leashed and, if kept outside, provide secure nighttime housing for them. Any outdoor pet or poultry runs should have a top to make them more secure and the fencing should be buried in the ground to prevent digging under the fence.
- If you start seeing coyotes around your home, discourage them by shouting, making loud noises, shaking a container of coins, using an air horn or whistle, spraying them with a hose, or throwing rocks or tennis balls but NEVER corner a coyote – always give the coyote a free escape route.
You can learn more about this wild animal on the Indiana DNR website.
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