(Boise, February 9, 2026) — Idaho Fish and Game is urging residents and visitors in the Boise area to take extra precautions with their pets as coyote breeding season begins, potentially increasing conflicts between coyotes and dogs.
Increased coyote activity during breeding season raises the risk of encounters with domestic dogs in the Boise Foothills and surrounding areas.
- Coyote breeding season in the Boise area typically runs from late February through June.
- Conflicts between coyotes and dogs can occur year-round, but are more frequent during breeding season.
- Fish and Game recommends keeping dogs on leashes on all Boise Foothill trails during the February-June period.
As February arrives, so does the coyote breeding season, which can lead to a rise in conflicts between coyotes and domestic dogs in the Boise area, according to Fish and Game biologists. The agency is reminding residents and recreationists to take additional precautions to reduce the risk of encounters.
Conflicts between coyotes and domestic dogs can occur at any time of year, as coyotes may view dogs as either prey or competition, Fish and Game officials stated. However, the risk increases significantly between late February and June.
“As with any wildlife species, it’s not uncommon for coyotes to become more aggressive and territorial during their breeding season – particularly toward other canine species, and more rarely towards humans,” said Ryan Walrath, Regional Wildlife Manager. “In our area, coyote breeding season typically occurs between February and March, and that increased territoriality often continues into the denning season and throughout the spring as coyotes are rearing pups.”
Recent years have seen incidents involving coyotes and domestic dogs reported in various locations within the Boise Foothills, including the popular Hulls Gulch and Military Reserve trails. These areas, frequented by hikers and adjacent to residential neighborhoods, also provide ideal denning habitat for coyotes, creating a higher potential for conflict.
“To put it simply, if you’re living or recreating here, you should expect to encounter coyotes,” Walrath said. “Fortunately, in many cases, you can adjust a few of your own behaviors to reduce the odds of an encounter turning into a dangerous situation for your pet or yourself.”
Fish and Game strongly recommends keeping dogs on leashes on all Boise Foothill trails – even those where off-leash activity is normally permitted – between February and June. A human near a leashed dog serves as a deterrent, according to the agency.
“This can help minimize the risk, because a human near a leashed dog is typically a strong deterrent,” Walrath said. “But being on leash doesn’t absolutely guarantee a territorial coyote won’t cause problems with a dog.”
If there have been recent reports of dog-aggressive coyotes in a specific area, Fish and Game advises avoiding that area for several weeks.
What This Means for You
The increased coyote activity during breeding season requires heightened awareness from pet owners and outdoor enthusiasts in the Boise area. While coyotes are a natural part of the ecosystem, taking simple precautions – such as leashing dogs and avoiding areas with recent coyote activity – can significantly reduce the risk of conflict. The agency’s recommendations are aimed at protecting both pets and wildlife during this sensitive time of year. Understanding coyote behavior and proactively managing interactions is key to coexisting safely.
