Photo byHarry Collins from Getty Images & mlharing from Getty Images Pro / photo edit by Camilo Diaz

(MASSACHUSETTS) Throughout the month of February, you may notice an increase in the amount of nighttime howling you hear. That is because it is officially coyote mating season, which marks a noticeable increase in their activity. Though these wild animals are very rarely a danger to humans, they can pose a significant risk to pets. Therefore, it is important to know the steps to take to avoid conflict with these wild animals.

Coyote Mating Season - What to Know

Coyote mating season starts in late January and runs through early March. During this time coyotes are much more active leading to more frequent sightings. Howling will be heard more often as coyotes will howl to advertise to a mate.

During mating season, coyotes become more active in marking and defending territory from other coyotes. Since they cannot easily distinguish other dogs from coyotes, they will treat the presence of any dogs as a threat. They may also become more aggressive, especially towards large-breed dogs they may normally avoid.

Photo byMoose henderson from Getty Images

Tips To Prevent Conflicts With Coyotes

Though coyotes thrive in suburban, urban, and rural areas, it is important to note that negative encounters between people and coyotes are very rare. Outright attacks on humans are even rarer. They can however be very dangerous for our beloved pets. Therefore, it is best to make sure to avoid them as best as possible.

In order to help the public prevent conflicts with coyotes, MassWildlife has posted several actionable tips:

• Protect Pets: Always supervise your dogs and make sure they are on a leash when walking them. "Most coyote attacks on pets involve dogs that are off-leash or loose in a backyard."

• Remove Food: Coyotes are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat pretty much whatever is available to them. In addition to what nature provides, coyotes will eat garbage, pet food, compost, bird feed, and suet. Removing these things from your yard will help prevent coyotes. NEVER intentionally feed coyotes.

• Hazing: Since coyotes are highly adaptable to a wide range of habitats, they are becoming more and more common to see. They are now present in every city and town in mainland Massachusetts. Though naturally afraid of people, that fear can fade after they spend enough time around humans. Therefore, it is important to haze any coyotes you see in your yard. To haze a coyote, you should chase them while yelling, spray them with a hose, make loud noises such as banging pots and pans, and throw small non-hard objects (like a tennis ball or pinecone) with the intent to frighten not injure. This may seem cruel, but as long as you are not physically harming the coyote, hazing really is the best option to keep them away and to help prevent any conflict.

• When to seek help: Coyotes can be active during any time of the day, so it is important to remember that daytime activity is not a sign of rabies. However, there are several concern behaviors you should be on the lookout for. If a coyote is approaching leashed pets, closely following people, or not running away when hazed, you should contact your local animal control officer or local MassWildlife office for assistance.

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