The time of year has come when coyote sightings are growing more likely in Lake Country. While coyotes often avoid interactions with people and are very rarely a threat to humans, they can sometimes become aggressive this time of year. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources aims to keep citizens informed about the animals. Understanding their habits and behaviors is important for creating balance between humans the ecosystems around them.

Especially as February and March come to a heed, many coyotes are in the midst of their mating season. Pups are usually born around the middle of April. However, the end of February is primarily the peak of their mating season. Although coyotes are typically shy around humans, when looking for mates they may become slightly more aggressive or confrontational. This is a large reason why it is important that citizens be informed of their behavior and aware of when they might be more active.

Typically coyotes keep to themselves but they may be slightly more outgoing when searching for food and partners. The diet of a coyote is mostly composed of small mammals such as squirrels, rabbits, and occasionally even deer carcasses. The animals are fairly skittish when encountering humans, but many animals become bolder when they believe their source of food might be tampered with.

The Wisconsin DNR has given several pieces of advice to residents so that they can protect themselves and the pets which might become targets for coyotes. These include:

• Remove potential food sources such as open garbage cans, bird feeders and pet food bowls. Never intentionally feed coyotes.
• Do not provide food and water for other wildlife. It may attract coyotes and their prey.
• Use scare tactics if you see a coyote. Yell and make loud noises, shake or throw pop cans filled with coins, throw a ball, shoe, sticks or other objects or spray the coyote with water. You can also buy ultrasonic dog repellents or pocket-sized air horns.
• Install a 6-7 foot high fence buried approximately 1 foot deep to help keep coyotes out of an area.
• Pick up all fallen fruit from fruit trees, keep compost secure, and make sure trash cans are tightly lidded and secure. Never leave loose trash outside.
• Keep cats indoors and watch dogs when outdoors. Only leave pets unattended when they are secure in a kennel with a covered top.
• Clear brush and undergrowth in your yard that can provide cover for coyotes or habitat for important coyote prey species.

Additionally, the Wisconsin DNR has also stated that coyotes can be hunted all year long with a small game hunting license. The organization has also encouraged locals to report any coyote sightings here as a way to ascertain information regarding population, location, movement, and behavior. Coyotes are not natural to Wisconsin but moved here from western portions of the country. Tracking coyote sightings allows scientists and experts to keep an eye on their activity.