A warning from environmental officials to pet owners: It’s coyote mating season, which means coyote-human interactions are likely to increase.

Over the weekend in Ridgefield, a coyote had to be euthanized after biting a local resident. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) believed, based on initial reports, that the animal was ill.

Attacks on humans by coyotes are extremely rare, but coyotes are common in Connecticut. Officials said it’s important to understand the steps to keep yourself and your pets safe.

At the turn of the new year, you might see or hear the eastern coyote more.

“We heard about the incident in West Hartford about a year and a half ago,” said Bob Goodman, a resident of West Hartford himself.

Goodman is referring to a December 2024 coyote attack on a dog, which left the dog fighting for its life.

Goodman said protecting his dog is always a top priority.

The eastern coyote is common in Connecticut and has been reported in every town and city in the state. January marks the start of mating season for the species, so they naturally become more territorial.

“We will see a kind of behavior that people interpret to be more aggressive because coyotes are acting more boldly,” said Geoff Krukar, a wildlife biologist with DEEP.

Krukar said this aggression is often seen toward other dogs, so keeping your dog on a leash and under control when out is key.

Kurkar also recommends keeping an eye on pets outside, even in your own backyard, and even if they are only out for a moment.

“If your dog or cat is not being watched, there is an opportunity for a negative interaction with a coyote,” he said.

Small dogs are particularly vulnerable because they are seen as prey. There is coyote-preventive gear that owners can purchase for extra protection against predators.

“We bring a flashlight with us, and we scan the backyard to make sure there is no coyote lurking,” said Goodman.

For Goodman, it’s personal; he has known friends and family who have had their pets killed by coyotes. He said he would rather take an extra second to stay with his dog or check his own backyard to prevent anything tragic.

If you are alone and encounter a coyote, DEEP explains it’s best to make your presence known by making noise and then leaving the area.

It’s also around this time of year that coyotes might consider finding a den close to a home, such as under a porch or near a foundation. Krukar said you can take steps to prevent them from choosing a spot near a home, like running a radio near a den to scare them off.

Keeping coyotes away from a home can also mean securing trash and removing any food sources, as with strategies to prevent bears.

ROCKY HILL, Conn. (WFSB) – Connecticut ranked as the fifth most expensive state for stay-at-home parents, according to a recent Smart Asset study that examined the costs of keeping one parent at home.

The study found that families need an annual income of at least $90,000 for one parent to stay home.

It costs about $40,000 a year to raise a child in Connecticut.

Many families are finding ways to lower costs, including seeking free activities like going to parks or taking more drastic measures like keeping one parent at home instead of paying for child care.

In nearby Massachusetts, families need an income of $97,000 for one parent to stay home. Hawaii ranked as the most expensive state, where the income earner needs to be making nearly $103,000 a year to support a family.

The study looked at how much it costs to keep one parent at home across different states, with Connecticut ranking among the most expensive in the country.

Tap here for a poll on whether the estimated cost of raising a child in Connecticut is correct.

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(WFSB) – The state has launched the Connecticut Content Creator Collaborative, a new initiative designed to help local businesses connect with social media influencers and content creators.

The program, known as C4, features a website where more than a dozen creators have already signed up, listing their specialties and making it easier for brands to find people to work with.

Alex P. Taylor, a full-time content creator who focuses on food reviews, said the initiative represents progress in how content creation is perceived as legitimate work.

“I think it’s a step in the right direction and I think the tide is turning of people’s perception on what a content creator is,” Taylor said.

Taylor makes his living by visiting local restaurants and businesses, creating content for his thousands of followers across platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Business owners hire him to showcase their products and services to his audience.

“This is how I pay my bills,” Taylor said. “I was taking pictures of food before people were probably taking pictures of food.”

Jenna Damico, owner of Sweets by Jenna, said content creators represent a new wave of marketing that feels more authentic to consumers.

“It’s real people and they’re real opinion of what you have so I think people are more opt to trust influencers than an ad that they hear,” Damico said.

Damico said she regularly hears customers mention seeing her business featured by content creators on social media platforms.

The state initiative addresses a common challenge in the industry, connecting local businesses with appropriate content creators.

The C4 platform aims to streamline this process by providing a centralized directory of available creators and their areas of expertise.

The recognition from the state signals a shift in how content creation and influencer marketing are viewed in the business world, according to participants in the program.

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