Tips to help Virginians prevent coyote encounters during mating season

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- In light of coyote mating season, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources provided tips to help Virginians prevent possible encounters with the animal.

According to the department, coyotes breed in January and February, with a litter of five to seven pups reportedly born during April and May.

Although residents may see or hear coyotes more frequently during these months, the department said it is not a cause of concern as the species is a part of the Virginia landscape, even in urban areas.

According to the department, residents should secure their trash and pet food to prevent a possible coyote encounter. While most coyotes feed on natural foods, such as mice and rabbits, they may be attracted to human-related food.

Officials said residents should also consider coyote-proof fencing and are advised to supervise their dogs while outside and use a short leash.

Residents should consider keeping small pets indoors as they could be viewed as prey, or if they have a large pet, coyotes may view them as competitors, according to the department.

If a resident spots a coyote, they are advised to stay cautious, keep their distance and make noise to scare them away. Do not run from a coyote.

According to the department, to help maintain a coyote's fear of humans and deter them from neighborhood spaces, residents are encouraged to use the following "hazing" methods:

• Yell and wave your arms
• Frighten the coyote using a noisemaker, such as a whistle, air horn, bell, or soda cans filled with pennies, dead batteries, or rocks
• Throw small projectiles, such as sticks, small rocks, or balls, towards the coyote
• Spray the coyote using a hose or spray bottle

"If a coyote has not been hazed before, it may not immediately run away when you yell," said the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources in a Facebook post. "It is important to keep hazing until the coyote leaves the area. You may need to use a combination of hazing techniques. The more often a coyote is hazed, the more effective it will be to change its behavior."