As we enter the beginning of the year, the winter season intensifies during February, and so does the activity of local coyote populations. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is warning the public that coyote sightings are likely to increase during this time.
This increase in activity is due to the coyote mating season, which causes the animals to become more active, bold, and more likely to stray into areas they don’t typically frequent.
During February and March, it’s recommended to monitor small pets, including cats, small dogs, rabbits, and others.
It’s also important to note that during pup-rearing season (April and May), homeowners should secure any readily available food sources, such as open trash containers, to deter local wildlife from taking advantage.