A warning to pet owners: Beware of coyotes, it is mating season

According to a Facebook post, the next four to six weeks is the main mating period for coyotes and pet owners should not let their animals out alone.

"Although coyotes are prevalent in outlying and rural areas, they’re also thriving in suburban and urban areas, and smaller towns as well," the post says.

Coyote breeding typically peaks in late February and early March, with the gestation period averaging 58 to 63 days.

"Male coyotes can become more aggressive during this time of year, the long and short of it all is that coyotes always pose a risk to your dog (and other small pets). That risk increases during mating season," the post says.

According to the post, coyotes are clever enough to learn the daily schedules you keep for your pets.

"If you let your dog out every evening at 9 p.m., chances are that a coyote is well aware of your routine. He might be waiting in the shadows at 9 p.m. sharp. So change your schedule a bit, walk your dog on leash close to you, and keep a close eye on them at all times."

Spay or neuter your pet. Coyotes are attracted to and can mate with unsprayed or unneutered domestic dogs. Unspayed female dogs in season can attract male coyotes.