Springtime can bring conflicts with off-leash dogs and coyotes during breeding season

Coyote activity around the Magic Valley, especially in those areas where people are recreating, provides Idaho Fish and Game an opportunity to remind recreationists to take precautions with their pets to reduce the risk of conflicts with coyotes, especially during the denning season.

Fish and Game officials in the Magic Valley Region were recently made aware of a non-fatal coyote incident with off-leash dogs in the Snake River canyon. The encounter with an aggressive coyote occurred near Auger Falls, a natural area managed by the City of Twin Falls Parks Department.  

A group of bike riders with three off-leash dogs were using the Auger Falls trail system when an off-leash dog was bitten and chased by a coyote. Reports indicate that one of three off-leashed dogs ran ahead of a group and found a coyote den. It was then that the dog was attacked by the coyote and sustained bites. The riders reported that after the attack the coyote continued to follow them for about a mile down the trail.

"Please remember that Auger Falls and surrounding public lands are wild environments shared with wildlife," said Twin Falls City Mayor Ruth Pierce. "For everyone's safety, keep dogs leashed at all times. Respect wildlife by observing from a distance and never approach or feed them. Let's be responsible stewards for these amazing wildlands that surrounds us."

In early April, a resident of the Wood River Valley reported a coyote repeatedly approaching her and her dog while on an area paved bike trail. While the coyote did not act aggressive, it reportedly did come uncomfortably close to the pair several times. 

Coyotes can be found throughout Idaho

These recent incidents occurred during the coyote breeding and pupping season, when coyotes can become more territorial.

Over the last few years Fish and Game’s Magic Valley Region office in Jerome has also received several reports of dog-aggressive coyotes throughout the Magic Valley, most commonly in or near the Snake River or in the Wood River Valley.

“During breeding season for any wildlife species, wildlife can become aggressive towards people and pets. Our advice is to avoid known areas with coyotes during this time and we always strongly encourage all dogs to be kept on-leash when in these areas” stated Mike McDonald, Regional Wildlife Manager, Magic Valley Region.

Coyotes are highly adaptable animals, and denning can occur even in city parks or along urban river corridors, which have good hiding habitat and abundant prey species. 

Encounters between coyotes and domestic dogs can happen at any time of year, and coyotes can always pose a risk to dogs in situations where they view them as either a prey source or as competition. The risk increases during the mating season (late February to early March) or during pupping season (March – May) when coyotes – particularly males – become more aggressive and protective of their dens. 

Coyotes are generally active at night, though they can be spotted during the day. They are naturally fearful of humans but may become more comfortable if given easy access to human food, garbage, pet food, small domestic pets, and feral cats. 

Here are some steps homeowners and recreationists can take to keep their pets safe and prevent coyotes and foxes in urban areas from becoming habituated to living near people:

Homeowners

• Remove or secure coyote attractants — such as pet food, trash or dog feces — as well as attractants for native species that coyotes are known to prey on. Coyotes typically eat small animals such as mice, voles, squirrels, gophers, raccoons, skunks and foxes.
• Enclose backyard poultry, livestock, or other small animals that live outside with secure fencing and a roof.
• If possible, ensure your property boundaries are secure by keeping fences in good repair and letting your dogs out for bathroom breaks only in fenced areas, particularly at night. Don’t leave your dog outside unsupervised, particularly in areas where coyote conflicts have been known to occur.
• If your property is not fenced, turn on outside lights and make noise before letting your dog outside, and consider taking your dog out on a leash for nighttime bathroom breaks.
• Clear away brushy areas around your property that coyotes may see as safe denning or hiding spots.

Recreationists

• Keep dogs on-leash when using trails.
• Consider bringing a loud noisemaker with you – a whistle, bell or horn – which can be helpful in scaring off a coyote.
• Carrying bear spray and know how to use it. It’s not just for bears and can also be used as a highly effective tool against other wildlife if an unsafe encounter occurs.
• When hiking, make noise to announce your presence.
• Be present in the moment, and aware of your surroundings and your dog. Don’t use earbuds or headphones while hiking.
• If you know that an area has recently experienced dog-coyote encounters, consider using a different trail system or an entirely different recreation area in the Magic Valley.

For more information, contact the Magic Valley Regional Office at (208) 324-4359.