Here in Big Bear Lake, coyotes pose a danger to dogs and cats, both large and small! Especially when they are allowed to roam outside unsupervised. Let’s first talk about some ways you can protect your cats from coyotes:
Cats:
- Keep your cat indoors: One of the most effective ways to protect your cat from coyotes is to keep them inside. Indoor cats are safe from a variety of threats, including coyotes.
- Supervise outdoor time: If you do allow your cat to go outside, supervise them closely. Don’t leave them outside unattended, especially at night. Coyotes are most active at dawn and dusk, so it’s best to keep your cat inside during these times.
- Build a cat enclosure: You can also build a cat enclosure in your yard, which will allow your cat to enjoy the outdoors while still being protected from coyotes and other predators.
- Make noise: Coyotes are afraid of loud noises, so if you hear or see a coyote in your yard, make noise to scare it away. You can use an air horn, a loud whistle, or even shout loudly to make noise.
- Use fencing: If you have a yard, consider putting up a sturdy fence around your property. This will make it more difficult for coyotes to enter your yard and harm your cat. Consider adding “Coyote Rollers” to the top of your fencing. These roll bars can ensure that any paws that reach the top, roll off! Keep in mind that coyotes can jump up to 8’ in height!
- Remove food sources: Coyotes are attracted to food sources, so remove any potential food sources from your yard, such as bird feeders or pet food dishes.
- If you are planning on going out of town, make sure that you either board your cat with us, at Mountain View Animal Hospital, or you take the necessary precautions outlined above!
By following these tips, you can help protect your cat from coyotes and other outdoor dangers.
Coyotes can pose a threat to dogs, even big dogs, as coyotes can hunt in groups. Unfortunately, for those vacationing in Big Bear who bring their pets, many tragedies could have been avoided had they known the risks. However, there are several measures that local and visiting families can take to reduce the risk of their dogs being attacked by a coyote:
Dogs:
- Keep your dog on a leash: Coyotes are less likely to approach a dog that is on a leash, especially if the dog is near its owner. Keeping your dog on a leash can also help you maintain better control over your pet and prevent it from wandering off.
- Avoid walking your dog during dawn and dusk: Coyotes are most active during dawn and dusk, so it’s best to avoid walking your dog during these times. If you must walk your dog during these hours, keep it on a short leash and stay alert for any signs of coyotes.
- Install fencing: Installing a tall fence around your property can help keep coyotes out. The fence should be at least six feet high and extend underground to prevent coyotes from digging under it. Consider adding “Coyote Rollers” to the top of your fencing. These roll bars can ensure that any paws that reach the top, roll off! Keep in mind that coyotes can jump up to 8’ in height!
- Remove attractants: Coyotes are attracted to food, so be sure to remove any potential attractants from your property. This includes outdoor pet food, garbage, and bird feeders.
- Use scare tactics: Coyotes are wary of humans and can be scared off by loud noises, bright lights, and other scare tactics. You can use motion-activated lights or sprinklers, loud noise makers, or air horns to deter coyotes.
- Consider carrying a deterrent spray: If you live in an area with a high coyote population, you may want to carry a deterrent spray that is specifically designed to repel coyotes.
Remember, it’s important to always supervise your dog when outside and to never leave it unattended, especially at night. If you live here in Big Bear Lake, be vigilant regarding our high coyote population, and take steps to protect your pets from these wild animals.
At Mountain View Animal Hospital, we see an unfortunate number of pets who have been attached by either one coyote or a pack of coyotes. These attacks are avoidable. Please be diligent here in our mountain community, and don’t feed the coyotes!