Coyote Mating Season Warning in the Berkshires: Keep Your Dogs on Leash

If you've heard what sounds like an entire pack of coyotes howling in the woods lately, you're not alone. Coyote mating season has begun in the Berkshires, and wildlife experts are warning dog owners to take extra precautions for the next few months.

My buddy and I were working in my garage on Saturday when we heard coyotes howling - then we noticed his dog who was outside minutes earlier, wasn't answering his call. He eventually found him in the house. It was a stark reminder of the danger coyotes bring.

John Perrault from the Berkshire Humane Society explained on air Wednesday that this is a critical time to keep dogs leashed during outdoor activities. The increased coyote activity during mating season makes encounters more likely and potentially dangerous for pets.

How many coyotes are actually howling?

One surprising fact John shared was what sounds like a large pack of coyotes is often just two animals. "It is like a defense mechanism they have so that other predators won't come and take their prey," Perrault explained. The amplified howling serves to scare off potential threats and protect their territory.

During mating season, which typically runs from January through March, coyotes become more territorial and aggressive. Males are actively seeking mates, while established pairs are defending their breeding grounds. This heightened territorial behavior means coyotes are less likely to retreat when they encounter dogs, viewing them as competitors or threats.

Small dogs, like ours, are particularly vulnerable, as coyotes may see them as prey. But even larger dogs can provoke aggressive responses if they wander into coyote territory, especially during this sensitive breeding period.

To protect your pets, experts recommend:

• Always keep dogs on leash during walks, especially at dawn, dusk, and nighttime when coyotes are most active
• Avoid areas where you've heard coyote vocalizations
• Don't let dogs chase or approach coyotes
• Make noise and appear large if you encounter a coyote - don't run
• Keep your yard free of food sources that might attract coyotes
• Never leave pets unattended outside, even in fenced yards