Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers in the Magic Valley Region received a report on Wednesday that a group of coyotes attacked and killed a dog at a residence earlier this week in the Elkhorn area in Sun Valley.
Fish and Game is also aware of additional reports from area residents describing conflicts with a group of coyotes, including instances of coyotes exhibiting aggressive behavior towards dogs being walked on leash.
Coyote activity around the Magic Valley Region, particularly in those wildland-urban interfaces where people live and recreate can create conflicts with pets. Idaho Fish and Game recommends people take extra precautions to reduce the risk of conflicts with coyotes and keep their pets safe.
Conflicts between coyotes and domestic dogs can occur 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. This risk does increase during the mating season (February-early March) or during pupping season (March-May) when coyotes, particularly males, become more aggressive and protective of their dens.
Over the last few years, the Magic Valley Region has received several reports of dog-aggressive coyotes throughout the Magic Valley, particularly in areas near the Snake River and within the Wood River Valley.
Coyotes are found throughout Idaho
While Fish and Game commonly receive reports of coyote incidents on the wildland-urban interface areas, conflicts can occur just about anywhere. Coyotes are highly adaptable animals that can be found living and denning in city parks or along urban river corridors, which have good cover for hiding and abundant prey species.
Coyotes are generally most active at night, although 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 helpful tips homeowners and recreationists can take to keep their pets safe and prevent coyotes from being habituated to 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, and skunks.
- Enclose backyard poultry, livestock, or other small animals that live outside with secure fencing and a roof.
- If possible, ensure property boundaries are secure by keeping fences in good repair and letting dogs out for bathroom breaks only in fenced areas. Don't leave dogs outside unsupervised, particularly in areas where coyote conflicts have been known to occur.
- If properties are not fenced, turn on outside lights and make noise before letting dogs outside, and consider taking dogs out on leash for nighttime bathroom breaks.
- Clear away any brushy areas around the 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 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 coyote encounters, consider using a different trail system or an entirely different recreation area in the Magic Valley.
"As with many wildlife species, coyotes can become more aggressive and territorial as they enter their breeding and pupping seasons, particularly toward domestic dogs," said Craig White, Idaho Fish and Game's Magic Valley Regional Supervisor. "Aggressive behavior toward people is typically uncommon, but dogs are at higher risk when they are not kept under close control. Simple precautions such as keeping dogs on leash, supervising them outdoors, and removing attractants around homes can significantly reduce the potential for conflict."
Fish and Game encourage the public to report any incidents involving aggressive coyotes. The Magic Valley Region will notify the public when confirmed coyote incidents occur, including on social media and the Magic Valley Region webpage.
For more information, contact the Magic Valley Regional Office at (208) 324-4359.