A client recently came into the hospital with two large dogs that had been attacked by a mountain lion on a large Santa Ynez Valley ranch where they lived.
These dogs both weighed well over 125 pounds, which increased their chance of surviving this attack. Plus, there were two of them defending each other, as well as defending themselves.
They were treated for their extensive wounds and had an amazing full recovery.
Several clients have had hawks attacking their pet birds kept in cages while left out in the sun for the day or birds living in outdoor aviaries. Many chickens have become prey for various animals, including bobcats.
A client from Montecito explained how he saved his small dog from a coyote attack. The coyote left the yard after being sprayed with water from a garden hose while the owner shouted at it.
Whether you live in a residential, urban, rural or remote area of Santa Babara County, we all have wildlife as neighbors.
Human-wildlife interactions have increased with our increase in population and our encroachment into wildlife’s habitat.
What can we do to protect our pets that is not harmful to wildlife?
Coyotes are the most common predator of pets in Santa Barbara County, so let’s begin with protecting your pets from them.
Cats and coyotes are typically a fatal combination and, regardless of your dog’s size or strength, coyotes are dangerous predators.
Coyotes are at increased risk of becoming food conditioned or habituated due to increased access to non-natural food sources.
Some people do not realize the harm in feeding wild animals or preventing access to attractants.
Coyotes are intelligent, sociable and adaptive. They may be heard calling to each other (yips, howls, barks) any time of day or night.
They have the most diverse range of vocalizations of any mammal in North America, and Native Americans called them “song dogs,” according to the Urban Coyote Research Project.
Coyotes regularly hunt during the early morning and late in the evening (dusk to dawn). They typically hunt when it is dark in residential and urban areas and at all hours in remote areas.
This variation of hunting times is affected by the presence of people during the day and by daylight saving time.
They are omnivores but a substantial portion of their diet (90%) is animal meat, such as small mammals like rodents and rabbits, fish, frogs, birds, insects, snakes and deer.
They also eat fruit, seeds and grass.
Unfortunately, their small animal meals can include our pet cats and dogs, especially smaller breeds of dogs weighing less than 25 pounds.
Although smaller breeds are more commonly attacked, larger breeds may also be attacked, especially when the dog threatens the coyote.
To protect your pals from coyotes, remove any water or food sources from your yard. This includes putting your barbecue grill away, which smells like meat.
Bird feeders are known to attract coyotes, as coyotes will eat the seeds and the feeding birds as well as the rodents they attract.
Pick up your dog’s poop as coyotes are attracted to the smell of scat. Coyotes will also eat fallen fruit. Put your trash in a secure garbage can.
If you live in an area where coyotes are active, it is best to fence in your yard. The absolute best coyote-proof fencing is one that is six feet high, made of solid material and buried in the ground at least 18 inches. Coyotes dig under fences and climb them.
The best option to top off your fence are coyote rollers, which are aluminum rods that spin when a coyote tries to grip them, preventing them from climbing over. Coyote rollers are available on Amazon and won’t make your property look like a compound. Most homeowners associations will accept them, if that’s a concern.
Motion sensor lights that face outside your fence line may also help discourage coyotes. The movement of the coyote will be sensed, and when the lights come on, a coyote typically turns away from the light and your fence.
If you cannot fence in your yard, there is also an option of a coyote vest for your dog. The vests are made for small dogs and have a Kevlar neck collar armed with 1-inch spikes and spikes down the back, making it hard for coyotes to get a bite.
If you have a small dog, these vests can help provide protection.
When on a hike keep your dog on a leash and bring a whistle to startle any coyotes you may encounter.
A trainer/behaviorist can help you train your dog with basic commands such as come and stay with “reliable recall,” meaning your dog comes pretty much every time you call them.
You can also learn how to use “positive reinforcement training methods.” This training may help your dog not to chase a coyote.
Other skills your trainer can help you with are teaching your dog to ignore distractions and heel (walk at your side). There are also behaviors you can use when you don’t want them to approach other dogs.
Most wild animals, including coyotes, naturally avoid and fear humans.