Coyote Activity Increases Across Las Vegas During Mating Season – What Pet Owners Should Know

As winter transitions into early spring, coyote activity across the Las Vegas Valley increases sharply. From January through early March, coyotes enter their mating season, a period marked by heightened territorial behavior, expanded roaming, and increased risk to small pets. The effects of this season don’t end when mating concludes. Denning and pup-rearing behaviors can continue to elevate risks for four to six weeks beyond, particularly in residential areas bordering open desert, washes, and golf courses.

For pet owners in Southern Nevada, this is one of the most important times of year to reassess outdoor safety routines and yard security.

Why Mating Season Changes Coyote Behavior

Coyotes are present in the Las Vegas Valley year-round, but mating season alters how and where they move. During this time, coyotes travel more frequently during daylight hours, defend territory more aggressively, and are less likely to retreat when encountering perceived threats.

According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), urban coyotes adapt quickly to human environments, often using neighborhood greenbelts, drainage corridors, and undeveloped lots as travel routes. During mating and denning season, these routes increasingly overlap with residential yards.

NDOW has consistently emphasized that small pets are the most vulnerable during this period, particularly cats and dogs under 25 pounds.

What the Data Shows in Southern Nevada

Publicly available data on coyote attacks is fragmented across agencies, but trends are consistent.

Clark County Animal Control, NDOW, and municipal animal services regularly report spikes in coyote-related calls between January and April. While not all reports involve confirmed attacks, records show repeated incidents involving pets taken from yards, pets attacked while on leash at night or early morning, and coyotes breaching standard fencing.

NDOW incident summaries over the past five years indicate that reports involving domestic animals occur annually, with increased frequency during mating and denning seasons. Exact numbers vary by year and jurisdiction, but the pattern remains consistent enough that NDOW and local animal control agencies issue seasonal warnings nearly every winter.

Additional reporting has come from municipalities including Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin, where residents report coyotes clearing block walls, slipping through decorative fencing, or exploiting gaps beneath gates.

Why Standard Fencing Often Isn’t Enough

Many Las Vegas homes rely on block walls or decorative iron fencing, which can create a false sense of security. Coyotes are capable climbers and jumpers, and they routinely exploit gaps beneath gates, uneven ground, and low wall heights.

They are also opportunistic diggers, particularly when food sources are visible or predictable.

This is why animal safety professionals consistently emphasize layered protection rather than reliance on a single barrier. Visual deterrents, supervised outdoor time, and secure enclosures all play a role, but physical containment remains one of the most reliable safeguards for pets who spend time outdoors.

Practical Steps Pet Owners Can Take Now

During mating and denning season, NDOW recommends keeping pets indoors whenever possible, especially at dawn and dusk. Dogs should remain leashed on walks, even in familiar neighborhoods, and pet food should never be left outside.

Yards should be evaluated for vulnerabilities, including gaps under gates, climbable structures near fences, and unsecured side access points. Motion lighting and removal of attractants such as fallen fruit or unsecured trash can help reduce visits but should not be relied on alone.

For households with dogs that require outdoor time, secure enclosures designed specifically to deter wildlife can significantly reduce risk when properly constructed.

Yard Safety Solutions That Address Real Risk

Across Las Vegas, an increasing number of pet owners are turning to purpose-built safety solutions rather than temporary fixes. These include fully enclosed dog runs, reinforced gates, dig-resistant barriers, and coyote-resistant enclosures designed to withstand both climbing and jumping.

Dog Friendly Las Vegas has previously covered how local fabricators like Custom Customs are addressing these concerns through tailored builds that account for yard layout, pet size, and desert-specific challenges. While no single solution fits every home, the key takeaway is that effective coyote deterrence requires intentional design, not off-the-shelf fencing.

A Seasonal Reminder With Year-Round Impact

Coyote encounters in Las Vegas are not rare events, nor are they limited to rural edges of the valley. As development continues to expand into desert habitats, interactions will remain part of life in Southern Nevada.

Mating season simply heightens the risk.

For pet owners, awareness, supervision, and proactive safety measures can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy. Understanding how coyotes behave during this time of year allows families to make informed choices that protect the animals who depend on them most.

Staying vigilant now helps ensure that pets remain safe long after mating season ends.