Fish and Game advise caution after coyotes fatally attack dog

Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers in the Magic Valley Region received a report on Wednesday that a group of coyotes attacked and killed a dog at a residence earlier this week in the Elkhorn area in Sun Valley. 

Fish and Game is also aware of additional reports from area residents describing conflicts with a group of coyotes, including instances of coyotes exhibiting aggressive behavior towards dogs being walked on leash. 

Coyote activity around the Magic Valley Region, particularly in those wildland-urban interfaces where people live and recreate can create conflicts with pets. Idaho Fish and Game recommends people take extra precautions to reduce the risk of conflicts with coyotes and keep their pets safe. 

Conflicts between coyotes and domestic dogs can occur at any time of year, and coyotes can always pose a risk to dogs in situations where they view them as either a prey source or as competition. This risk does increase during the mating season (February-early March) or during pupping season (March-May) when coyotes, particularly males, become more aggressive and protective of their dens. 

Over the last few years, the Magic Valley Region has received several reports of dog-aggressive coyotes throughout the Magic Valley, particularly in areas near the Snake River and within the Wood River Valley. 

Coyotes are found throughout Idaho 

While Fish and Game commonly receive reports of coyote incidents on the wildland-urban interface areas, conflicts can occur just about anywhere. Coyotes are highly adaptable animals that can be found living and denning in city parks or along urban river corridors, which have good cover for hiding and abundant prey species. 

Coyotes are generally most active at night, although they can be spotted during the day. They are naturally fearful of humans but may become more comfortable if given easy access to human food, garbage, pet food, small domestic pets, and feral cats.

—  Idaho Department of Fish and Game