After coyotes attacked a small dog dog in Clarence Center this week, many are wondering what can be done to keep the animals away.
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly spent the day talking to experts at Cabela's in Cheektowaga, SPCA Serving Erie County and a professional trapping company in Buffalo called JacopilleBornheimer.
All agreed that the biggest way to keep coyotes away is to make sure properties are not "inviting" with food and water sources. Feed pets inside and make sure there are no sources of food for coyotes to get in your yard.
The other important thing is to scare the animals with loud noises when you see them. This can discourage them from coming back.
Keep pets on leashes and don't let them go outside at night when coyotes are actively moving around. Be careful with female dogs in heat because coyotes can smell them and will come thinking they are coyotes.
Teach children to make loud noises and act big when they see a coyote (similar to fending off a bear).
Cabela's said there are no effective items you can buy to keep coyotes away. Even though some people claim "wolf urine" will chase coyotes away, Cabela's said it could have the opposite effect of attracting coyotes.
The SPCA Serving Erie County said there are motion-activated lights and sprinklers that have shown some promise in scaring the animals off.
However, JacopilleBornheimer said coyotes are smart enough to become immune to motion lights after a period of time.
The strongest recommendation is to make sure you take steps to keep the animals scared of your property. That could include setting off firecrackers, playing loud music, or banging on pans when you see coyotes.
Ed Reilly has more in his reports.
