ST. LOUIS – As spring approaches, residents in the area are advised to be cautious as coyotes enter their mating season, increasing their presence in suburban and urban neighborhoods.
Coyotes are adapting to city life and will be more active in the coming months as they search for food to feed their pups. This increased activity is part of their natural behavior during the mating season.
Dan Zarlenga from the Missouri Department of Conservation advises that while coyotes typically do not attack pets for food, there may be territorial issues.
Zarlenga recommends that pet owners keep their animals on a leash and avoid letting them roam unsupervised, especially during dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active.
“Coyotes are very intelligent and they’re very adaptable, so they can live in wide range of circumstances and they’re very liberal about what they eat,” he said. “So, they can eat fruits, they can eat trash, they can eat small rodents, insects, small animals, even carrion. They have a wide diet, so they can survive pretty well.”
Residents are also encouraged to secure their garbage cans to prevent attracting coyotes into their yards. If a coyote is spotted in the neighborhood, making loud noises, chasing them off, or spraying them with a hose are suggested deterrent methods.
By taking these precautions, residents can help minimize encounters with coyotes and ensure the safety of their pets and community.
All facts from this article were gathered by KTVI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KTVI staff.