5 Tips for Keeping Pets Safe From Predators

The most common large wildlife attacks on domestic pets are by coyotes, mountain lions, and bears. Although their territories have changed over the years, here are few current maps for pet parents to consider.

Coyote territory expands nearly over all of North America, and coyotes have been notorious for boldly coming into highly populated areas.

Mountain lions, also known as pumas, cougars, and panthers, are most prevalent in the Western Regions of the U.S. but have been spotted as far East as Missouri, and have dense populations in Southern Florida as well.

Mountain Lion Tracks

Bears may seem cute and cuddly, but they are voracious hunters and will destroy property to get to their next meal. Pet parents living in bear country need to take extra precautions to keep their pets and property safe.

Black Bear Prints

5 Tips for Keeping Pets Safe from Predators:

1. Scare Tactics. Using motion activated sprinklers, noise makers, and even throwing rocks or sticks at them to scare them away from your property is a good deterrent.
2. Clean Up. Larger animals have larger appetites, and keeping trash, food, and other debris in your yard can serve as an invitation to wildlife. Even natural debris like branches and leaves can attract prey animals onto your property, like deer, which in turn will draw out the hunters, as well.
3. Fences. High fencing that runs at least 18 inches below ground level will help to keep coyotes and mountain lions out of your property. However, bears are stronger and will tear down a fence if they really want to.
4. Keep Indoors. All pets are safest inside, but especially during the dusk and dawn hours of the day. Pets are safest outside during bright daylight hours, and all pet and human food should always be stored and served inside. Predators have a keen sense of smell and can be attracted to your or your pet’s food from great distances.
5. Leashes. Always walk with your pet on a leash. But, never leave your pet leashed or chained unsupervised. Many pets that are attacked by these predators die because they cannot get away due to being tied on a leash or chain.

There’s also other predators and wildlife to consider as well, including hawks, snakes, and even the neighbors’ larger and meaner dogs that might be bullying your little Fluffy.

So, what else can pet parents do? Consider investing in the in SpikeBite. For as little as $75, pet parents can have ease of mind that their furry friend will be safe no matter where they are or what kind of creatures they encounter.

According to it’s manufacturer, the SpikeBite vest features include:

• Embedded spikes within specialized pads
• Pads absorb pressure from bites preventing broken bones
• Impenetrable metal plating protects vital areas
• Reflective material deters hawks
  

  SpikeBite Vest on Dog

• Vest helps relieve anxiety
• Snug handle allows you to easy pickup your pet
• D-ring secured at base of neck, and on Snug Handle.
• Attach Snug Handle to seat belt
• Tacticle air flow material keeps your pets cool
• Can be worn for extended periods of time
• Light weight and durable
• Easy to clean
• Safe to play in, wont harm unsuspecting persons, or children.

More than anything, epetsure wants you and your pets to stay safe. However, in the event your pet is the victim of an animal attack, we’ve found that pet parents who had pet insurance for their furry friends often saved thousands of dollar on costly veterinary bills. We invite you to browse our site to learn more about the benefits of pet insurance.

epetsure™ discourages the killing or harming of any animals. Please take special precautions to protect pets, as well as the wildlife that live in the area.

For more information on pet and wildlife safety, please visit the ASPCA, your local game and wildlife center, or talk to your veterinarian.