How to protect your dogs from coyotes in Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana – A recent post on social media reported a sighting of a coyote to the south of the IU Bloomington campus.

According to Virgil Sauder, the director of Bloomington Animal Care and Control, such sightings are common in urban areas. A coyote might be a young adult relocating to a new territory or may be attracted to a location that offers shelter or food sources. During the winter months, coyotes tend to increase their activity levels.

What steps can pet owners take to ensure the safety of their animals?

Sauder noted that although coyotes generally present minimal danger to humans or larger animals, he recommends that residents keep an eye on their pets when they are outdoors.

“The most rewarding aspect of having pets is spending time with them,” Sauder stated.

He advised that residents remain particularly vigilant during dawn and dusk, urging outdoor cat owners to bring their pets indoors.

According to Sauder, coyotes are inherently wary and generally steer clear of people. Sauder advises that if residents come across them, they should try to scare them away.

“People can make noise by banging pots and pans, shouting, and waving their hands to scare them off,” Sauder stated. “This is a beneficial approach, as it helps maintain their caution and distance from others.”

Sauder advised residents to be mindful of the items they leave outdoors to prevent attracting coyotes to the area. Coyotes tend to hunt rats or mice, which suggests they might be attracted to locations with significant garbage accumulation. Residents might also frequent locations where food is left for outdoor pets.

Sauder stated that Animal Care and Control typically does not take action when coyotes are acting normally; however, residents are encouraged to report any coyotes displaying unusual behavior or signs of injury.

“We encourage you to report any instances of injured wildlife or coyotes that seem unusually friendly or less cautious around people,” Sauder stated. “A coyote that no longer fears humans poses a greater threat.”

For additional details regarding coyotes, residents can visit the Bloomington Animal Care and Control website or check online resources from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Residents in need of help with an animal-related emergency within city limits can reach out to Animal Control by calling (812) 339-1444.