Coyotes have been sighted in Laurel. The Humane Society recommends the following steps to help protect your outdoor cats from coyotes:
- Feed cats only during the day and at a set time—and pick up any leftovers immediately
- Provide escape routes for cats
- In treeless or open areas, erect "cat posts"—long pieces of wood (four inches by four inches or corner posts) that stand out of the ground at least ten to twelve feet. These can be climbed by cats but not by coyotes
- Elevate feeding stations beyond coyotes’—but not the cats’—reach
- Discourage/harass coyotes seen on the property. Go after them aggressively, using the techniques described in our coyote hazing guidelines. Making them feel uncomfortable will encourage them to stay out of the area.
Picking up uneaten cat food so food is not left out overnight is very important. Cats will quickly learn and adapt to a daytime feeding schedule so there is no reason to leave food out overnight which will attract wildlife, possibly including coyotes, which may eat your cats as well as your cat food.
Laurel Animal Control will not relocate a coyote but will refer you to the state. State wildlife control will euthanize the coyote. As such, it is much better to simply discourage coyotes from ever being in your neighborhood in the first place.