Coyotes are roaming Charlotte streets. How to distinguish them from dogs and stay safe
Recent coyote sightings in Charlotte have some pet owners on high alert.
Some Charlotte residents have warned pet owners on social media to keep their beloved animals inside after spotting coyotes.
“My next door neighbor just saw a large coyote in their front yard/my driveway about 15 minutes ago,” a Sedgefield resident posted to Nextdoor on Jan. 6. “Keep your fur babies inside!!”
“Large coyote (German shepherd sized) spotted near Freedom Park early AM, yesterday,” a Charlotte commenter posted on Dec. 31. “Keep pets safe.”
Though mid-January marks the beginning of their mating season, coyotes can often be spotted in residential areas of North Carolina, as many typically venture off from their groups to find their own territory, said N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission biologist Falyn Owens.
“This is the time of year where the established coyotes who have territories are starting to get more defensive and being less tolerant of those young coyotes,” Owens said. “So, maybe they’re making more noise inspecting their territory a bit more and making sure those young coyotes know where the property lines are basically, as they get themselves set up for the start of the next breeding season.
Coyotes sometimes attack pets to defend themselves, but pets can also become their prey, Owens said, adding that small cats and dogs could be an “easy meal” for them.
In winter, coyotes can also get into altercations with large dog breeds to establish territorial boundaries, Owens said.
Due to their territorial nature, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission advises those who encounter coyotes not to approach them and remain a safe distance away.
How to tell the difference between a coyote and a dog
Coyotes often resemble some dog breeds, such as a German shepherd or Alaskan malamute, but there are ways to tell them apart, Owens explained.
“Coyotes tend to have pointier features, like a pointy nose and pointy ears,” Owens said.
Another way to discern the difference between coyotes and dogs is by looking at their patterns, Owens said, noting that, unlike many canine breeds, coyotes are typically one color and do not have patterns or spots.
Coyotes also have different facial and body structures than most dog breeds, she said.
“Coyotes tend to have a pretty sloping forehead, but domestic dogs tend to have a really flat forehead,” said Owens. “Also, coyotes don’t have that big barrel chest that some large dog breeds have.
“With any animal that’s roughly the size of a coyote that’s free-roaming, and isn’t on a leash or behind a fence, you probably just need to be a little bit careful. Just don’t expect to be able to walk up to a strange canid and pet it.”
How to protect your pet from coyotes
Since coyotes are less likely to approach humans, pet owners should always supervise their animals when they are outside, Owens said.
Owens also advised against leaving any type of pet food out that could attract coyotes.
“Pet food is just as tasty to coyotes, wolves, raccoons, bears, foxes and all other types of wild animals,” Owens said. “Just make sure to tuck in those food sources to make the area less attractive so a coyote will be less inclined to stick around.”
What to do if a coyote attacks your pet
If a coyote bites or attacks your pet, the first thing you should do is get it away from your pet, according to Washington state-based Angel Pet Hospital. You can do that by distracting the coyote with an object.
Once the coyote is away, you can assess your pet’s injuries. If your pet suffered severe injuries, you should wrap them in a towel or blanket and seek immediate medical attention, the hospital advised.
You should also check if your pet is up to date on their rabies vaccination. If your pet’s vaccination has expired, you may have to quarantine them to ensure they didn’t contract rabies during the attack.
This story was originally published January 19, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
