Coyote Season Is Coming: Is Your Cape Cod Yard Ready?
Fall is almost here on Cape Cod. Along with cooler temperatures and changing leaves, October marks the beginning of coyote mating season, a period when coyotes become particularly active.
According to MassWildlife, coyote mating season generally runs from October through March, followed by denning season in April and May. Coyotes can be found throughout mainland Massachusetts, including communities across Cape Cod.
For homeowners with dogs, cats, and other pets, now is a good time to think about how secure your yard really is.
Coyote Attacks on Pets Do Happen
Unfortunately, this isn't just a hypothetical concern.
We know of a local pet owner who lost a beloved pet to a coyote last year. In addition to the heartbreak of losing an animal, the incident left the family worried about their other pets and concerned about potential exposure to diseases such as rabies.
It's a frightening experience no pet owner wants to go through, and a reminder that taking precautions before an encounter happens can make a real difference.
MassWildlife emphasizes that coyotes attacking outdoor cats and unsupervised dogs is normal wildlife behavior. That means simply seeing coyotes in your neighborhood isn't necessarily unusual—but it does mean pet owners need to take their presence seriously.
How Can You Help Protect Your Pets From Coyotes?
MassWildlife and the Humane Society recommend several precautions for reducing the risk of encounters between pets and coyotes:
Stay outside with your pets rather than supervising from a distance.
Keep dogs leashed and directly supervised, particularly early in the morning and at night.
Keep cats indoors, or directly supervise them in a secure outdoor enclosure.
Check your yard for wildlife before letting your dog outside.
Use outdoor lighting when pets are outside after dark.
Remove potential food and water sources, including unsecured trash, pet food, open compost, bird feeders, and outdoor water dishes.
Consider fencing designed to make entering the yard more difficult for coyotes.
If a pet is attacked by a coyote or other wild animal, it should be evaluated by a veterinarian because wildlife bites can potentially transmit diseases, including rabies.
The Right Fence Can Add Another Layer of Protection
This is where we can help.
The fencing recommendations cited by the Cape Cod Times are surprisingly specific. Guidance from wildlife organizations includes installing a six-foot-high fence with the bottom extending approximately one foot underground.
Why underground? Coyotes aren't limited to trying to go over a fence. They can also dig underneath one.
For existing fencing, recommendations can include adding a fence skirt that extends underground to help discourage digging or installing roll bars at the top to make climbing more difficult.
Of course, no fence should be considered a substitute for directly supervising your pets. But the right fencing can be an important part of creating a more secure outdoor environment.
Is Your Current Fence Up to the Job?
If you already have a fence, September is a good time to take a walk around your property and look at it from a different perspective.
Are there gaps underneath it? Is it tall enough? Are there damaged or weakened sections? Could an animal potentially dig underneath or get over it? Are there gates or other areas that might provide easier access?
And if you don't currently have a fenced yard, this may be the time to start considering your options.
At Pro Fence, we manufacture and install a wide variety of fencing, and our team can help you determine what makes sense for your property, your needs, and your budget.
Prepare Before Coyote Activity Increases
Coyotes are part of life on Cape Cod, and learning to coexist with local wildlife means taking sensible precautions—especially when pets are involved.
With coyote mating season beginning in October, now is an excellent time to evaluate your yard rather than waiting until you spot a coyote outside your home.
If you're concerned about keeping your pets safer in your yard, talk to us about your fencing options. We'll help you find a solution that fits your property and your family's needs.
Cape Cod
133 Upper County Rd., South Dennis, MA 02660
508-394-4800
Wilmington
835 Woburn St., Wilmington, MA 01887
781-933-1234
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