HOPATCONG BOROUGH, N.J. (Sussex County) — The Hopatcong Animal Shelter is warning residents that coyote mating season is underway and will last the next four to six weeks, a period the shelter says often brings more aggressive and territorial behavior from the animals.
“Coyotes are more aggressive, more territorial, and more active during mating season,” the shelter said in an alert. The shelter said coyotes can be “bold, fast, and silent” and that small pets are at serious risk, even in fenced yards and even during daylight hours.
The shelter warned pet owners that attacks can happen quickly. “No warning. No noise. No struggle. Your pet can be gone before you realize anything is wrong,” the shelter said.
Among the reminders shared by the shelter: coyotes can jump 6- to 8-foot fences and dig underneath them; they can be active day or night; and they may watch yards and routines. The shelter also warned that multiple coyotes may work together and that they are not necessarily deterred by neighborhoods, lights or noise.
The shelter urged residents to keep pets under close control, saying, “NEVER let pets outside alone, day or night,” and recommending leash walks only — including in a pet owner’s own yard. The shelter also advised residents to scan yards before letting pets out, install motion lights, and keep a whistle or air horn near the door.
The shelter recommended removing attractants, including pet food left outside, unsecured trash, fallen bird seed and compost, and said cats should be kept indoors.
If a coyote is spotted, the shelter advised residents to make noise, wave arms, shout and back away slowly.
The shelter cautioned against assuming fencing is enough protection, letting pets out “just for a minute,” or feeding wildlife, saying it can train coyotes to approach people.
“Go outside WITH them. Every. Single. Time,” the shelter said.
