Several coyotes have been spotted in Simsbury with mating season underway and animal control said at least one is blamed for the death of a family’s dog.
Breeding season is from January to March and Mark Rudwicz, of Simsbury Police Animal Control, said coyotes are pacing for prey.
“Like all of us they’ve got to eat,” he said. “A lot of them wait in the tree lines with the property edge lines and wait for that unfortunately unsuspecting dog or domestic animal.”
James Alexander said Addie, his Wheaton Terrier Doodle, does more than her share of alerting him but he had no idea what could be lurking outside of his Neal Drive front door for the next few weeks.
“If she starts barking uncontrollably, then I’ll come out and check it out,” Alexander said.
Rudwicz is advising all dog owners to keep their dogs on leashes, especially in yards that are not fenced in.
“The dog can still run around and get a little exercise, a little freedom, but you ultimately still exercise complete control of the dog if something was to approach,” Rudwicz said.
Rudwicz said mating season will last through early March and even a winter storm won’t stop them from searching for food.
