The weather outside may be cold, but the scene amongst the Kentucky coyote population is red hot as winter mating season means increased sightings in rural and urban areas.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife says winter mating season for coyotes runs through March, which means coyotes will be roaming rural and urban areas as they search for mates, establish territories, and raise pups in the late spring and early summer. Coyotes are usually timid and wary of people, but encounters with people and pets may arise as they go about foraging, protecting dens, and feeding pups.
KFW reminds residents to never feed coyotes. They are opportunistic and may take advantage of an easy meal if you leave food waste such as grease traps, garbage, or compost piles unattended. Sick, injured, or inexperienced coyotes may sniff out human food sources, leading to conflicts.
If you see a coyote, never approach it. KFW says try to scare the animal away by shouting, clapping your hands, stomping your feet, and making yourself appear bigger. Keep scaring the coyote until it is out of sight.
Coyotes may establish dens in hollow trees or logs, rock crevices, brush piles, abandoned groundhog burrows, or abandoned buildings and junk piles. Most coyotes do not cause conflict, but if necessary contact a licensed nuisance wildlife operator. More information is available on the KFW website.
