Coyote Breeding Season Brings Increased Risks for Pets in Boise Foothills

Idaho Fish and Game urges pet owners to take precautions as coyotes become more territorial during mating season.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:15pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph depicting a person walking a dog on a trail in the Boise Foothills, with the scene rendered in soft, warm-toned pools of light and color, conceptually representing the need for heightened awareness and caution during coyote breeding season.As coyote breeding season brings increased risks, pet owners in the Boise Foothills must remain vigilant to ensure the safety of their furry companions.Boise Today

Coyote breeding season is in full swing in Idaho, and officials are warning pet owners in the Boise Foothills to be extra vigilant. Coyotes may view dogs as threats or even potential prey during this time, leading to aggressive behavior. With the Boise area providing ideal denning and breeding grounds for coyotes, encounters between the wild animals and domestic pets are on the rise.

Why it matters

The Boise Foothills, with its popular hiking trails, brings coyotes in close proximity to human recreation and residential areas, increasing the chances of conflicts between the wild animals and pets. Protecting pets during coyote breeding season is crucial to ensuring the safety of both animals and their owners.

The details

Idaho Fish and Game is recommending that pet owners keep their dogs on leashes on all Boise Foothill trails from February to June, even in areas where off-leash dogs are usually permitted. While a leashed dog with a human nearby can act as a deterrent, officials caution that it's not a foolproof solution. In areas where aggressive coyote behavior has been reported, Fish and Game suggests avoiding those locations for a few weeks to let tensions cool down.

  • Coyote breeding season typically spans from late February to June.
  • Fish and Game is urging pet owners to take precautions during this critical period.

The players

Ryan Walrath

The regional wildlife manager for Idaho Fish and Game.

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What they’re saying

“Coyotes, like any wildlife, can become more territorial and aggressive during their breeding season. They might perceive dogs as competition or even as a potential meal.”

— Ryan Walrath, Regional Wildlife Manager, Idaho Fish and Game

“You can't avoid coyotes here; they're part of the landscape.”

— Ryan Walrath, Regional Wildlife Manager, Idaho Fish and Game

“A leashed dog with a human nearby can act as a deterrent, but it's not a foolproof solution.”

— Ryan Walrath, Regional Wildlife Manager, Idaho Fish and Game

What’s next

Fish and Game will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to the public on any changes in coyote behavior or additional safety measures that may be necessary.

The takeaway

This coyote breeding season serves as a reminder for pet owners in the Boise Foothills to be extra vigilant and take proactive steps to protect their furry friends. By working together with local wildlife authorities, residents can help ensure a safe and peaceful coexistence between domestic pets and the wild coyotes that call the area home.