Love, Coyote Style

Cole Porter sang, “Birds do it. Bees do it. Even educated fleas do it.” Now, to no one’s surprise, coyotes do it too. Except, when coyotes “fall in love,” they become a public nuisance. Coyote mating season is upon us in our sleepy Connecticut town, and it’s temporarily changed our lives.

To my sadness, I’ve heard that small local dogs and cats have been attacked. These poor animals were dragged away into the woods and not heard from again. Even scarier, a few times, their owners were outside when it happened. They had to witness, to their horror. The thought of my sweet little terrier, Libby, being carried off by a gang of thugs is too much to bear.

So, from late December to early March, I take every precaution.

I never let Libby out alone. Apparently, coyote males get protective of their turfs and their girlfriends. Anyone in the way, especially small pets, can be in danger. Libby might be seen as a threat, “dinner,” or both. I now watch her when she’s outside. I even make noises as she’s doing her business. Sometimes I hoot loudly like an owl or blow on a whistle. I’ll also stomp the ground and bark. (Yes, the neighbors—and Libby—look at me strangely). I even have one of those loud boat horns, which I haven’t used yet, but will if needed.

I’ve also learned to trust Libby’s sense of smell. Occasionally, she’ll start to go outside, but halfway to the door, come to a dead stop. One moment, she’s moving forward and the next, she’s backing up, as if to say, “Nope, I’m not going out there.” I can’t get her to go further, and I don’t make her. I assume she smells something scary. Like many dogs, this little Yorkie can literally pick up scents through walls, which I find an amazing superpower. Especially now, it comes in handy as a survival tool.

Finally, I’ve had to ‘adjust’ to her new housebreaking routine. Between the bitter cold, rain, snow, and now, coyotes, Libby is finding it hard to relax and do her business outside. More than once, I’ve had to pick her up and bring her to her favorite spot in our backyard. There I’ll stand, keeping my eye out, and making all my noises. Sometimes she does her thing right away and we’re done. Other times, she seems too spooked and wants to come right back inside. She hasn’t had many accidents, but it’s a constant bother, being always on the lookout for Libby’s bathroom needs.

Now, beyond feeding, housebreaking, walking, and playing, I’m adding bodyguard to my roles for Libby. I must keep her safe from the roaming marauders in our neighborhood. I’m happy to do it because I love this little Yorkie.

Still, I wish the coyotes would finish “falling in love” already and leave the rest of us in peace.

Even Cole Porter would agree.

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