Missouri Warning Pet Owners about Danger of Coyotes

If you live in a part of Missouri where there are woods, you're in coyote country. That's why the state is warning pet owners that this is the time of year when encounters with those animals can happen and are dangerous.

I saw this new warning by the Missouri Department of Conservation about the activity of coyotes in the state. They say that February into March is the peak breeding season for coyotes in Missouri which makes any contact that your pets have with them even more perilous.

The danger isn't just in the rural parts of Missouri either. “We get reports from people who live in neighborhoods, and they are usually shocked to find out that coyotes are in the area and can do so well in urban environments,” said MDC Wildlife damage Biologist, Patrice Pyatt.

What can Missouri pet owners do to reduce the danger of coyote encounters?

The Missouri Department of Conservation says you should not leave your pets outside and unattended at dusk, nighttime, or dawn if possible. The state officials also point out that you should make sure you're not purposely leaving food sources outside that might attract coyotes as they are scavengers and will seek out easy food locations.

Bird feeders can be problematic. Officials say that bird feeders attract rodents and rodents attract coyotes. The food chain can unintentionally end up at your back door if you're not careful.

It's that time of year when coyotes and pets have the highest likelihood of contact which can be bad news for both in Missouri.