February is breeding season for coyotes and they are more active and visible, says Coyote Watch Canada
Flamborough Ont. Natalie Wroblosky let her four-year-old dog, Mooch, out on Tuesday around 3 p.m.
Thirty minutes later, he discovers that Mooch the Jackapoo has been eaten by coyotes.
“It was definitely a coyote, because only his head and upper body was past his chest, his front legs… Everything below that was gone,” Wrolowsy said. FlamboroughToday.
Wrolowsky lives on the border between Greensville and West Flamborough, on a 150-acre lot that backs up to a wooded area.
She said she has heard coyotes on her property in the past, but has a fenced yard and an outdoor light for her three rescue dogs. Mooch, she said, was an outdoors dog and spent a lot of time in the yard.
“If you let him in, within minutes he’s barking to get out again,” she said.
The coyote attack happened quickly and in the middle of the day. Wrolowsky said he’s not sure how he can stop it but wants others to know what could happen.
According to Coyote Watch Canada, February is the breeding season for coyotes and they are more active and visible. Hamilton Animal Services manager Kelly Beaton gave some tips on how to avoid coyote attacks.
Do not approach or feed coyotes
Coyotes are wild animals and can become more comfortable with people as a result of regular interaction, Beaton said. “There may be more interaction between coyotes and humans if they are fed or otherwise encouraged to stay near residential areas.”
Keep an eye on children, pets
In areas where there is known coyote activity, including woods, ravines, or new residential areas, it’s important not to leave children, or pets unattended, Beaton insists.
Do not store food, or garbage outside
Proper storage and maintenance of trash containers will prevent raccoons, skunks, cats, dogs and coyotes from becoming a nuisance, Beaton said. “This prevents the presence of small rodents, which are an important food source for coyotes.”
He also reminded people not to leave pet food outside; removing it will help prevent wildlife from being attracted to your property.
Finally, residents are advised to avoid composting meat products as the odor will attract animals to your property.
Keep your yard well lit
Beaton suggests using motion-sensitive lights in yards or gardens. “Well-lit yards or the use of motion-sensitive lighting will make a property less attractive to coyotes and other wildlife at night,” he said.
What to do if a coyote has made a den on your property
Animal Services should only be notified if the animal is sick/injured/distressed or dead, Beaton said.
“Best practice for residents who have a den on their property is to make sure to keep children, pets and yourself away from the area,” he said. “Do not leave food or trash, keep a safe distance and create a loud noise to stop them. Coyotes can be aggressive especially when they are denning and when their babies are born. Coyotes often return to the same place every year to den.”
What to do if a coyote approaches you
If a coyote approaches, the best strategy is to stay calm, make yourself look bigger, clap your hands and yell, Beaton said. “Don’t run away.”
Wrolowsky hopes other families can prevent a similar attack on someone who claimed her little dog. He said he’s received a tremendous amount of support from the Flamborough community, but that doesn’t make losing Mooch any easier.
“The whole community was really supportive, but it doesn’t take away that this sweet little pup is gone.”
