Commentary
In some parts of the U.S., we usually have three or more days where winter temperatures moderate and we thaw out. At the same time, daylight hours are increasing. This period begins the breeding season for some wildlife species. Skunks, raccoon, foxes, bobcats and coyotes start looking for mates and food, and they’re driven by hormones and hunger.
Breeding season is a time for extra safety precautions to keep backyard domestic pets and animals safe from roaming wildlife. Coyotes are adapting rapidly to city living. We’re sharing a selection of articles to help animal health pros understand these problems and how crafty animal safety communications is for clients.
Sources:
- How coyotes and humans can learn to coexist in cities, The Conversation, November 5, 2020. Link.
- Coyotes moving into neighborhoods, ScienceforStudents, September 3, 2020.
- City slinkers, Smithsonian, March 2006. Link.
- Coyotes make their homes in America’s cities, The Verge, April 7, 2020. Link.
INSIGHTS: Education and awareness are the first steps to coexistence. Consider sharing information with local media about the risks to domestic animals when wildlife get too close to home. Also consider we are still not confident in whether a free-range wildlife species can become a reservoir for Covid-19.