The chances of Coloradoans and their pets encountering a coyote will increase over the summer as young coyote pups begin exploring and more people are outside enjoying warmer weather.

Coyotes have litters during April and May, delivering an average of five or six pups. Adult coyotes will need to travel farther and forage more to feed their young.

“Although coyotes are active year-round, we have entered the season of increased contact between people and coyotes,” state official Jerrie McKee said. “We want to caution people about encounters with coyotes. These are not pets. They are wild animals that are predators, and they should be treated with caution and respect.”

In urban areas, coyotes have attacked people’s small pets – cats and dogs included – particularly when pets are allowed to roam free or walked off-leash. A typical coyote weighs about 50 pounds, and easily can outmatch a smaller pet.

Coyotes are adaptable predators, found in most open habitats, including city neighborhoods, open space, parks and trails.

They are tolerant of human activities, and adapt and adjust rapidly to changes in their environment.

As coyote pups grow older and there is more competition for food, a coyote’s behavior can change. The biggest problems occur when people feed coyotes – either deliberately or inadvertently.

Remember that all wildlife is unpredictable. Do not get close or encourage interaction with wild animals. Remind children not to approach or feed any wildlife.

If children feel threatened by the presence of coyotes or other wildlife, they should stay in a group and walk slowly to an area where adults are present. Make sure your child understands that a coyote is a wild dog and should be treated with caution.