The changing weather is leading to changing habits in two wild species in our area – whitetail deer and coyotes. Deer are in the early stages of breeding season right now, which means bucks are sometimes not as attentive as they should be about crossing roads. It’s also the height of hunting season, so hound hunters are a common sight along area roadways. Keep an eye out, especially at dawn and dusk, and slow down if you see deer, deer hunters or deer hounds.
Coyotes are also on the move hunting for food. Young males have separated from their family packs and are looking for new territories as well as new packs. This will mean they may be seen more frequently in residential areas. Removing outside food sources, securing small pets such as cats, dogs, and poultry, and hazing coyotes with lights and noise will help drive them away.
It’s legal to shoot coyotes outside of municipalities all year.
