Tips to prevent encounters, conflict with coyotes as mating season begins

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — As Virginians may see and hear coyotes more frequently this time of year, officials are sharing several tips to prevent conflict with the animals.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) took to social media on Friday, Feb. 13, to remind Virginians that coyote mating season has begun. The agency noted that beginning in February, coyotes can appear more frequently across the Commonwealth, even in urban areas.

According to the DWR, coyotes breed in January and February, with a litter of five to seven pups born during April and May. Some of the den sites that coyotes favor include brush-covered slopes, steep banks, thickets, hollow logs and rock ledges.

The department said while most coyotes feed on natural foods like mice, rabbits and fruits, they might also be attracted to human-related food if available. Residents should consider installing coyote-proof fencing and secure their trash and pet food during the season.

While outside, Virginians should also supervise their dogs, use a short leash and consider keeping smaller pets indoors, the department urged.

"Smaller dogs and cats may be viewed as prey, while larger dogs can be viewed as competitors," the DWR said, noting that unattended pets may be at risk to coyotes, especially at night.

Residents should also close any openings under and into buildings after ensuring no animals are inside. Officials said coyotes and other wildlife animals look for places to den and raise their young.

If you spot a coyote in your yard or one that's approaching you, the DWR said to stay cautious, keep your distance and make noise to scare the animal off, since it's important to maintain coyotes' fear of humans to deter them from neighborhood spaces.

The agency provided additional tips when encountering coyotes:

• Do not run
• Yell and wave your arms
• Frighten them with noise 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, toward them
• Spray them with a hose or spray bottle

"If a coyote has not been hazed before, it may not immediately run away when you yell. It’s important to keep hazing until the coyote leaves the area," the DWR said, noting that residents may need to use a combination of hazing techniques. "The more often a coyote is hazed, the more likely it will be to change its behavior."

The agency said not to attempt to haze a coyote if pups are present or the animal appears ill or injured.