Do Coyotes, Fox or Birds of Prey Pose a Risk to Pets?
- posted: Mar. 06, 2022
Do Coyotes, Fox or Birds of Prey Pose a Risk to Pets?
We’ve all heard horror stories of small pets being carried off by a large hawk or coyote, but, are these stories true? What should you do to protect your pet? Let’s learn more.
York County is home to numerous raptors including owls, red-tailed hawks and eagles as well as to foxes and to the eastern coyote. Due to human populations encroaching more and more into once wild areas, wildlife often live side by side with people in rural and suburban areas and even some more urban regions these days.
Large birds of prey such as red-tailed hawks or bald eagles can only pick up animals weighing less than 5 lbs. Thus, most house pets are safe and not likely to be carried away, though if a raptor is desperate for food, they may attack very small pets. Incidents have occurred, but they are relatively rare. Very small kittens and toy breed puppies may be somewhat vulnerable as are animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and occasionally pet chickens or ducks. However, birds of prey may attack a small pet or even a larger dog or person if they are protecting their young and nesting territory.
Protect very small pets by supervising them in the yard and stay close to them if walking in a large open area such as a field. If pets must be outdoors unsupervised and there are raptors in your area, provide a covered run or other area for protection, especially during nesting season which is typically April through June. Do not leave rabbits or guinea pigs unattended in open playpen enclosures in the yard. Avoid leaving pet food outside so as not to attract wildlife such as mice and squirrels which may in turn attract hunting raptors.
Do not attempt to injure, capture or kill any bird of prey or disturb nesting sites as it is illegal to do so under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. If you have a particularly aggressive bird near your property, contact the PA Game Commission for advice.
Coyotes are more elusive and not likely to attack pets in broad daylight; however, they may attack backyard flocks of chickens, ducks or geese and feral cats under cover of darkness. You may want to supervise very small pets at night, especially if you have heard coyotes in your area.
Foxes are also common in York County. Though they do not normally attack pets, they will defend themselves if cornered by a dog or cat and they may attack small flocks of chickens. Fox can carry disease such as mange, roundworms and rabies which can threaten pets and people.
While incidents of wild animals attacking dogs and cats are rare, it pays to be cautious if you have very small kittens or puppies and live near nesting raptors. Coyotes and fox do not pose a large risk to pets but may feed on backyard flocks of poultry. Remember to use caution and common sense and supervise very small pets when outside, but do not be overly fearful of an attack.
This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.
https://www.thesprucepets.com/protect-pets-from-birds-of-prey-386699
Location
Patton Veterinary Hospital
425 E Broadway
Red Lion, PA 17356
