Have you seen or heard more coyotes than usual? That is because coyote mating season in Oklahoma is from January through March. It is a critical time to keep an eye on your smaller pets when they are outside, even if you live in town. Coyotes aren't
typically known to attack people and larger dogs, though it certainly has been known to happen. They very well could mistake small, unattended animals as prey or attack a larger dog if they view it as a threat to the coyote's territory or den.
Coyotes are attracted by bread, table scraps, seed or even birds that come to your bird feeders. Secure garbage containers and eliminate gargabe odors. Remove any attractants such as bowls of dog food or trash. Carry an air horn with you, or some type of deterant like a citronella spray or pepper spray. If you are at home and one is in your back yard, try banging on some pots and pans; use water hoses or sprinklers. Spray water at the animal to help deter it. Coyotes and most dogs do not like being sprayed with water. Use motion activated lights around your home's perimeters.
If you know there are coyotes in your area, never leave a small child unattended in the yard. These animals usually tend to go after cats or smaller dogs, so never leave your small animal unattended or tied to a rope in your yard. It is much safer to keep your pet on a leash during walks, especially from dusk until dawn when coyotes are more active. Avoid walking your dog in secluded areas and be vigilant about your surrounding.
Leave open jars of vinegar, amonia would also work, around the perimeter of your yard where the coyote is frequenting. Leave the jars out for a few weeks and refill when necessary. Most animals do not like the smell of either of these and will, most of the time, try to avoid it.