Domestic dogs are closely related to coyotes - so closely that they can even have puppies together (check out this 1/4 domestic dog puppy in Queens, New York; though this is a very rare event)! Because they are so closely related, coyotes can perceive medium-large sized dogs as a threat, especially during denning season when they are most protective of their dens and territories. This may lead coyotes to barking or growling at dogs or chasing them off, though rarely coming into physical contact with larger dogs. Coyotes may also see smaller dogs as prey. Research suggests that keeping dogs on the leashes is one of the best ways to avoid both potential conflicts!
Off leash dogs may wander into coyote denning areas or coyote-defended territory, by keeping them on a leash you can prevent this from happening. If a smaller dog wanders toward a coyote, it may be grabbed by a coyote as food. Keeping a small dog on a leash should keep a coyote from approaching. If a coyote does approach and try to take a dog off a leash, this is a sign that animal has been habituated, and is considered abnormal behavior. If this happens please contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. While we don't recommend having your dog off leash, if you do, it's best to make sure your dog has very strong recall skills and doesn't stray too far from you to minimize the risks.
Common Myth: Coyotes do not lure dogs or cats to ambush and attack! They do occasionally even engage in play with domestic dogs, but this is playful behavior and not hunting behavior. Regardless, we do not suggest letting your dog play with a coyote as coyotes have different methods of play and hierarchical systems than domestic dogs and could lead to injury.
An example of purposefully bred coydogs.
Coyote playing with dog toy. Photo courtesy of Pamela Underhill Karaz.
A cat faces off with a coyote on a porch in Texas. The cat actually won this time, but keeping it inside would ensure that the cat doesn't become prey.
Outdoor and feral cats can consume and kill a large variety of endangered and threatened species across the globe, leading to over 60 confirmed species extinctions globally. Credit: Amanda Montañez; Source: “A Global Synthesis and Assessment of Free-Ranging Domestic Cat Diet,” by Christopher A. Lepczyk et al., in Nature Communications, Vol. 14. Published online December 12, 2023
While it isn't the top diet item for coyotes, domestic cats can be seen as prey to coyotes. Coyotes are predators and hunt a variety of small mammals as food. Domestic cats are unfortunately just the right size to be considered potential prey. Luckily, there are many ways to make sure your cat stays safe while keeping the animal entertained! We like cats and want them healthy and happy just like you!
Research suggests, that the average lifespan of an outdoor cat is 2-5 years, whereas indoor cats may live well over 10! Beyond coyotes, outdoor cats may get into fights with other wild animals like raccoons that can cause significant injury and could potentially pass diseases. Outdoor cats are also frequently hit by cars, get into fights with other outdoor or feral cats, and can much more easily pick up diseases like feline immunovirus (FIV). Outdoor cats also damage native wildlife, especially small birds. Worldwide outdoor and feral cats are responsible for over 60 extinctions.
To keep cats safe we suggest leash/harness training, building catios, very supervised outdoor time, or keeping cats indoors with indoor play time. If you'd like to learn more about these options, please click below for resources.