Coyotes are mating, so watch out for your pets

Encounters with coyotes are on the rise around metro Denver and in other Front Range communities. Residents in parts of Boulder have reported seeing the animals during the day, and coyotes are blamed for killing several cats in one Boulder neighborhood.

What's going on? Mating season, according to Jennifer Churchill with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

"They’re extra territorial as they’re picking mates, so this is why they unfortunately will go after pets if they’re out there in their territory," Churchill said, "The coyotes will also become more aggressive in May and June when their pups are born."