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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JULY 2025 45 Tails & Trails - All Pets Here's What to Do If You See a Coyote in Your Yard Follow these tips by wildlife experts Michel Kohl, PhD, Certified Wildlife Biologist and Megan Owen, Ph.D.: • Keep your dog on leash during walks, especially at dawn and dusk. Coyotes will attack small dogs, though attacks on medium and large dogs are uncommon. • Watch pets when outdoors, even in a fenced area. Coyotes are good climbers and can scale a 6-foot fence. • Don't allow cats to roam. Research has found that both domestic and feral cats are food sources for coyotes. • Don't leave pet food outside. Like other types of wildlife, such as raccoons, opossums, and skunks, coyotes love an easy meal and will quickly learn where to find one. • Keep garbage cans and compost bins covered so they don't become food sources. • Ensure pets are up to date on medications. That includes preventive treatments for f leas, ticks, and heartworm as well as vaccinations for parvo, distemper, and rabies. • Make sure chicken coops and livestock are protected. If using fencing, an electric wire at the top and bottom of fencing can discourage coyotes but won't harm them. • Use hazing techniques to chase a coyote out of your yard. If you see a coyote passing through, bang pots and pans, yell, or use an air horn to scare it off. They typically are skittish and will f lee. A startling device, such as a motion-activated water sprinkler, also may work. "The goal is to keep them afraid of us," says Kohl. • Forget about repellents or essential oils. These have questionable or no effectiveness. In fact, the coyote may just pee on any scent repellents you use. • Contact your state's local wildlife agency if you have concerns about frequent wildlife visitors. Here at Four Seasons, we have many wild animals roaming freely throughout our community. Small pets can be prey in their own fenced yards, and be carried away within minutes. All residents here should remain vigilant if they have pets. ~ Vivian Walker, vivr@sbcglobal.net