It seems like every year around this time, we start hearing news broadcasts and start seeing Facebook post warning of coyote sightings. Many of us that live in rural areas are well aware of their tracks in the snow or catch a glimpse of a coyote crossing an open field in January and February. We pay attention because coyotes can be absolutely detrimental to livestock owners. They can run through a herd of sheep or goats in a single night with the owner never knowing until the morning. Unfortunately, small calves, fawns and foals are easy targets. Many farmers are turning to Great Pyrenees guardian dogs locked inside the fence with their livestock. Guarding. Watching. Protecting.
However, most of the warnings being broadcasted are to alert our urban neighbors to keep a close eye on their pets. Yes, it can happen to YOUR pet, even if you live in a subdivision. Coyotes aren’t just in the country.
Coyote alerts are warning about situations when a small beloved puppy scratches at the door needing to potty before bed, their owner opens the door casually letting him or her out but a few minutes later when they call for their precious companion, he or she doesn’t come and never will again.
I have personally heard of someone taking their pet for a short walk on one of those retractable leashes, the pet ventures out several feet (generally while its owner is distracted), all of a sudden in an instant “Fluffy” gets snatched up by a quick moving coyote. When coyotes attack, they either go for the hind quarters or neck, usually where main arteries are, for a quick dispatch and easy meal. And in a blink of an eye, the beloved pet is no more, even with you standing right there. Please BE AWARE!
Summit County Farm Bureau’s website has some great articles educating our members on coyotes, be sure to check these out from our archives:
https://summitcountyfarmbureau.org/the-coyote-farmers-friend-or-foe/
https://summitcountyfarmbureau.org/theyre-back/
https://summitcountyfarmbureau.org/february-brings-mating-season/
