DETROIT – We know Valentine’s Day is around the corner, but it’s already the season of love for coyotes.
Over the next few weeks, it’s coyote breeding season, which means you may see more than usual. It’s a time when we all need to be more vigilant.
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, coyote breeding season runs from mid-January through March.
“They’re just really busy this time of year and up to some coyote business,” said DNR Wildlife Outreach Coordinator Rachel Lincoln.
Coyotes are on the move looking for a mate and a den site. Once a female is pregnant, they need to make a den to raise their pups through the spring and summer.
“If you don’t want coyotes on your property, or if you notice there’s a coyote and you don’t want them to den on your property, right now is the time to take action,” Lincoln said.
First focus on food sources. Coyotes may feel comfortable living near people, especially if there are food sources available. You can reduce the risk of attracting the small critters coyotes are looking for -- like squirrels or rabbits.
If you have a bird feeder and seeds fall to the ground or litter or trash is lying around, that could attract smaller mammals.
“If you notice that there’s a mysterious set of tracks in your yard that looks like dogs, that’s a good indication there’s a coyote in the area,” Lincoln said.
Experts emphasized that breeding season doesn’t make coyotes any more aggressive and that generally speaking coyotes are afraid of humans.
“If you can keep your pets on a leash during this time of year and accompany them while you’re outside, coyotes should really have no interest in coming into your area or interacting with your pets,” Lincoln said.
More information on Michigan’s coyotes can be found on the official Department of Natural Resources website.