Coyotes are generally wary of humans and other animals. Yet, mating season can often lead to increased and potentially dangerous encounters with them. In most areas, coyotes mate between late winter and early spring and become more territorial and vocal during these times. Unfortunately, there have recently been coyote sightings and a couple of coyote attacks in the Connecticut Shoreline. Today, we want to discuss a recent incident as well as share our best practices for avoiding unwanted interactions with wildlife in and around Old Saybrook. While coyote attacks in the area remain rare, prevention is key to minimizing future issues.
Coyote Attack in the Connecticut Shoreline
A recent Facebook post details a horrific incident in which six coyotes surrounded an off-leash dog in Canfield. The dog owner lost track of her dog while reaching for something and soon found herself surrounded by a pack of four coyotes. The dog owner was, thankfully, able to get away from the coyotes and called for help to help her find the missing dog.
Thankfully and before long, the dog was located with another hiker, who had found the dog surrounded by six coyotes, attacking the dog from her hindquarters. The hiker bravely waved the coyotes off the dog and walked her away from danger.
The dog in question, a larger dog with a strong build, was injured during the encounter and had to be taken to the veterinarian where she was anesthetized and had her wounds cleaned and repaired. Per the post, the veterinarian they saw stated that a separate coyote attack was reported last week.
The concern with this attack, as the OP explained, is that it was a pack in a heavily populated area, which is enjoyed by hikers, walkers, and dog owners alike. The incident could have ended tragically for the dog – and maybe the humans – therefore the veterinarian recommended that the incident be reported to animal control.
Preventing Coyote Attacks in the Connecticut Shoreline
Avoid Walking Alone, Especially at Night
Coyotes are most active at night, therefore the first defense against encountering a coyote or more is to avoid late-night walks this time of year. If and when late-night walks are necessary, bring a flashlight, make some noise, and, whenever possible, bring another adult or adults to deter coyotes.
Avoid hiking alone in wooded areas where coyotes tend to den and can easily hide from view. The further away we stay from such areas this time of year, the less likely we are to encounter an aggressive coyote protecting their den or pups.
Bring Pets Indoors
Coyotes are opportunistic and will usually set their sights on the easiest available target. That said, coyotes have been known to scale fences and attack pets in yards. For this reason, we encourage you to keep your pets indoors, especially this time of year. Supervising your pet is the safest way to prevent incidents and observe potential dangers.
Also, outdoor cats are especially vulnerable. If possible, always keep your cats indoors and supervised.
Secure Food Sources & Trash
Securing food sources and removing attractants in and around your home will reduce the likelihood of encountering coyotes near your home. Secure exterior trash and recycling bins, clean up your pets’ poop in the yard, and keep your home’s exterior well-maintained to ensure visibility.
Additionally, avoid feeding wildlife or leaving food at the beach, in picnic areas, etc. By feeding wildlife and being careless with food waste, we risk encouraging dangerous predators to lose their healthy and necessary fear of humans.
Light Your Home’s Exterior
The more visible your surroundings, the better chance you have to spot a potential coyote encounter before it’s too late. In addition, because coyotes have a keen ability to hunt at night, they tend to avoid overly lit areas for fear of being seen. From solar stake lights to LED wall fixtures, many products on the market will come on automatically when the sun goes down or when they detect motion near the perimeter of your home. These products are worthwhile investments and should always be in working order to protect from unwanted visitors – human and otherwise.
Pet Care in the Connecticut Shoreline
Coyotes tend to go after cats and smaller dogs because they are easier to subdue. If you have a smaller dog that you usually exercise in the early morning or late evening hours, consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter who can exercise your pet midday this time of year. By doing so, you’ll be meeting your dog’s needs while also keeping them and yourself safe from coyote encounters before and after dark.
Finally, please know that our team is highly aware of the risks involved in walking and hiking with dogs this time of year and are taking all precautions to ensure their and your pets’ wellbeing.
At Shoreline Happy Paws, we offer dog walking, dog hiking, and cat sitting services. We are based in Old Saybrook and also cover the following areas:
- Essex, Ivoryton & Centerbrook
- Deep River
- Chester
- Westbrook
- Clinton
- Old Lyme
- East Lyme
- Niantic
- Waterford
- New London
- Groton
Certain Parts and Certain Service Hours in:
- Lyme and Madison
- Uncasville, Gales Ferry, Mystic, Noank
To learn more about our premier pet care services, please create an account. If you are an existing client, please book dog walking, dog hiking, or pet sitting services via your client profile. We look forward to caring for your pets!
