As spring settles into The Villages, it’s important to remember that we’re sharing our beautiful community with local wildlife, including coyotes. This time of year marks pupping season, meaning coyotes will be more active as they protect and provide for their young.
While coyotes rarely pose a threat to humans, they are opportunistic hunters, and smaller pets may be seen as potential prey if left unsupervised outdoors. Although we haven’t seen any aggressive behavior toward domesticated animals here at The Villages in over two years, it’s always best to remain vigilant and take a few simple precautions.
Safety Tips for Coexisting Peacefully
- Supervise small pets outdoors. Always keep dogs and cats on a leash or harness, especially during early morning and evening hours when coyotes are most active.
- Remove attractants. Outdoor pet food, fallen fruit, food waste, and bird feeders can unintentionally attract coyotes.
- Keep coyotes wary of humans. If you encounter a coyote nearby, haze it by yelling, spraying it with a water hose, waving your arms, or tossing a ball toward it.
- Secure your home and yard. Keep bushes and landscaping trimmed low to discourage wildlife from coming too close to homes.
- Stay alert when near brushy or wooded areas. Coyotes often build dens in sheltered spaces. If a coyote appears to be staring, following you, or acting defensively, calmly leave the area and notify others to avoid it for a few weeks. Do not run.
Coyotes are naturally protective during pupping season, but once pups are old enough to survive outside the den, coyotes typically relocate and become less visible.
With a little awareness, staying alert and looking out for one another, we help keep our community safe and welcoming.
Report Aggressive Behavior
While sightings alone aren’t a cause for alarm, if you observe any aggressive behavior toward people or pets, please report it immediately to the Public Safety Plaza at (408) 223-4665.
