Protect Your Pets from Coyotes

It can be difficult to accept, but pets can be seen as a food source to coyotes, and large dogs can be seen as a threat to their territory. 

Make sure to always attend your pet. If your pet is outside, be outside in the yard with them, preferably within touching distance. Coyotes can scale even a six-foot fence. Standing by the door or watching from a window will not deter coyotes from entering your yard. As a rule of thumb, a pet is not attended if the coyote can’t see a human within a couple feet of the pet. Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommends always being within five feet of your pet.

Coyotes are opportunistic hunters. If they learn of an area with animals that can be easily preyed upon, like unattended pets, they will likely take the opportunity and continue returning to the area as they learn it is a reliable food source. Responsible pet ownership is key in reducing coyote conflicts and protecting not only your pets but your neighbor’s.

The best way to lower the risk of an attack is to be in the yard with your pet!

There is a variety of wildlife like coyotes, foxes, owls, eagles and hawks throughout Broomfield, even in residential neighborhoods, that view unattended pets as "fair game." 

For best practices for wildlife and pets, see the list of tips below:

• Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations.
• ALWAYS supervise your pet when outside, especially at dawn or dusk. Bring all pets inside the house between dusk and dawn.
• Pets should not be left unattended outside even in fenced backyards unless they are in a kennel or fully enclosed dog run with a secured top.
• Follow the S.M.A.R.T. steps if you see a coyote.
• Keep dogs on a short leash (six feet or less).
• Pick up small dogs if you see a coyote in the area.
• Avoid known or potential den sites and areas of thick vegetation.
• Use the yard audit checklist to assess the safety of your yard.
• Do not allow dogs to "play" with coyotes or foxes.
• Do not leave pet food and water bowls outside.
• Always supervise your pet outside. Do not leave your pet unattended in your yard.
• Keep cats indoors.
• Spike vests can be used as a safety measure to protect and deter interactions with wildlife, including raptors.
• Close all pet doors at night to exclude coyotes, and other wildlife, from entering your house.

Please remember these measures can lower the risk of a coyote encounter but cannot remove it entirely. For additional information, see the Coyote FAQ or email us at openspace@broomfield.org.