Coyotes roam more as breeding season begins in January and February in Kentucky.

TIPS:
• Do not leave pet food outside. If you have to feed your pet outside only give them the amount of food they can eat in one sitting.
• Bring bird feeders inside at night and remove the seed that falls on the ground. Bird feeders attract squirrels, mice, raccoons and opossums, which in turn attracts coyotes. Don’t hang any feeders when coyotes are in the area.
• Secure garbage containers and compost bins.
• Fence gardens and compost piles.
• Keep BBQ grills clean, including the grease trap.
• Supervise pets while they are in the yard as coyotes can climb over or dig beneath most fencing. Consider kenneling unattended dogs.
• Plug holes under fences and block access to crawlspaces under sheds, out buildings, porches and houses.
• Keep cats inside.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house, or turn on outside lighting and check the yard for unwanted animals before letting a dog outside at night. Consider leashing your dog if coyotes are roaming the area. Clean up dog droppings, as they will attract coyotes.
• Walk your dog on a short, non-retractable leash that is highly visible; a coyote is less likely to attack a dog if they see it as part of you. Avoid walking your dog at the same time or on the same route every day, as coyotes learn patterns.
• Don’t leave small children unattended. Show kids pictures of coyotes then instruct them to never approach a coyote or run from one. Children should also learn how to scare away coyotes.
• Do not let your dog chase or “play” with a coyote; the coyote will defend itself and your dog may be injured.