Coyotes Aggression Could Put You and Pets in Danger to Start Year

(Lafayette, Louisiana) - Wild animals are everywhere these days, and more and more coyotes are showing up in populated areas across South Louisiana.

For years, we have reported on coyote sightings in rural and urban areas across Acadiana. If you have small children or pets outdoors, you should always be aware of your surroundings.

Now that we are in the winter months, coyotes are more active and can be more aggressive. Not only are these wild animals seeking shelter on cold days and nights, but they are also seeking mates.

Coyote mating season generally runs between January and March, and during this time of year, these dangerous animals can be extremely aggressive. While you never want to approach a coyote, you certainly want to avoid them during their mating season, as the animal can be even more aggressive while out seeking a mate

As coyotes seek mates, they become more territorial and more aggressive. They also travel farther during mating season, which can bring them closer to residential areas.

What to Do If You See A Coyote

In the event you come face-to-face with a coyote, you should never run from it, but rather, slowly retreat. If you are at a safe distance from the animal, you can make noise or bang on things to scare the animal from your property. Remember, coyotes can view larger dogs as an adversary and smaller pets as prey, and that is why you need to avoid them during mating season.

If you see a coyote in your city, town, or neighborhood, alert others via social media so they are aware of the potential threat, and remove all outdoor food sources. By securing garbage outside your home, you may deter wild animals from lurking in your area.