HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — It’s time for pet owners to be on the lookout for coyotes. Mating season happens every year but the president of Houston County’s Humane Society said it’s become more of a problem in recent years.
"Now they’re starting to see them and they’re starting to hear them and they’re close in areas where they’ve never been heard before," Allison said.
Every year from January to March, coyote sightings increase in Georgia during mating season. Allison said some animals become targets for prey.
"Your cats, your dogs, your small pets are food for them and that’s what they’re looking for," Allison said.
Joy Durden grew up in Houston County and has had personal experiences with these predators. She said over time coyotes are showing up in more urban areas.
“I saw one about two weeks ago on the side of Tallulah Trail which is off of Russell. That’s one of our busiest roads in Warner Robins, so they’re definitely making it into more populated areas," Durden said.
Allison said a fence wouldn’t stop them. She said they can climb fences up to seven feet tall. She asks people to be on high alert because an attack can happen quickly.
"People were actually getting in their car to go somewhere and one came out of the woods and grabbed their dog in the car port, so when they're hungry they're hungry and get very brave," Allison said.
Allison recommends pet owners use harnesses and leashes that let you have a good grip in case of an attack. Durden said people need to use their ears as much as their eyes.
"It’s the pack howl. If you’ve ever heard it, you’ll never forget it. It’s terrifying. If there’s a lot of them they also make yips, barks, different sounds you can tell it’s not quite a dog. You can tell it’s something a little bit more wild," Durden said.
Durden said if you come across a coyote secure your animal first. You can try to scare them away with noise or a flashlight. The biggest thing is to keep your eyes on your pet during this time of year.