Information provided by Crystal Chick, Colorado Division of Wildlife

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) wants to remind people to take precautions with their pets when living in coyote country. Several recent coyote attacks on pets have taken place in open space areas and private yards in neighborhoods adjacent to the Highline Canal and other Front Range neighborhoods in proximity to the foothills.

The DOW wants to caution people about encounters with coyotes. These are not pets. They are wild animals that are predators, and they should be treated with caution and respect. There are several precautions people can take with their pets to decrease the odds of an attack.

The coyote (Canis latrans) is a member of the dog family. It resembles a small German shepherd with the exception of the long snout and bushy, black-tipped tail. Coyotes are extremely adaptable and resourceful, and can survive on whatever food is available. They prey on rabbits, mice, birds and other small animals, as well as young deer and sheep. In urban areas, coyotes have attacked people’s small pets – cats and dogs included – particularly when pets are allowed to roam free or left out in yards overnight. A typical coyote weighs about 20-50 lbs., and can easily outmatch a smaller pet.

“Coyotes are adaptable predators, found in most open habitats, including city neighborhoods, open space, parks and trails,” said District Wildlife Manager, Crystal Peterson. “They are tolerant of human activities, and adapt and adjust rapidly to changes in their environment. As coyote pups grow older and there is more competition for food, a coyote’s behavior can change. The biggest problems occur when people feed coyotes — either deliberately or inadvertently.”

Many urban coyote conflicts often center on feeding issues. When people feed wildlife, it doesn’t take long to teach a wild animal to associate people with food, but it’s very difficult to convince a habituated coyote to return to wild ways. Coyotes that appear friendly may be mimicking behavior that has been rewarded with food in the past: Remember that all wildlife is unpredictable. Do not get close or encourage interaction with wild animals. When it becomes apparent that no food is forthcoming, the coyote’s behavior can change abruptly.

People with pets need to keep them on a leash when walking them. While at home, pets should not be allowed to roam freely. Even pets in enclosed yards run the risk of predation, especially at night. People should also feed their pets inside in an effort to keep pet food from attracting coyotes and other wildlife.

Remind children not to approach or feed any wildlife. If children feel threatened by the presence of coyotes or other wildlife, they should stay in a group and walk slowly to an area where adults are present. Make sure your child understands that a coyote is a wild dog and should be treated with caution. While attacks on humans are extremely rare, people should still take precautions.

Encounters with aggressive coyotes should be reported to the Colorado Division of Wildlife at (303)297-1192.

For more information, please ask for a copy of “Your Guide to Avoiding Human-Coyote Conflicts” at your local Division of Wildlife office or on the web at wildlife.state.co.us

TIPS TO REMEMBER:

Discourage Coyotes Near Homes

Frighten coyotes with loud noises; use unnatural odors (such as ammonia) to clean trash cans.

Remove food attractants such as pet food, table scraps on compost piles, fallen fruit, and spilled seed beneath birdfeeders.

Remove vegetation and brush that provides cover for prey and hiding cover for coyotes; trim lower limbs of shrubs and conifer trees.

Use yard lights with motion detectors, appearance of the sudden light may frighten coyotes away.

Protect Pets and Children

Keep pets in fenced areas or kennels; remember split rail fences and invisible fences will not keep your pet safe from predators. Pet kennels and runs should have a fully-enclosed roof.

Provide human supervision while outdoors, even in your own backyard.

Do not allow pets (or children) to run loose in areas where there is coyote activity. Keep pets on leash or leave the area when you see a coyote. Most urban areas have leash laws requiring dogs to be under control. Coyotes and foxes have been known to be responsible for many cat disappearances in residential neighborhoods.

Although rare, coyotes have been known to injure people. Most of these incidents involved people feeding coyotes. Teach your family not to approach wildlife and never feed wildlife.

Treat the presence of a coyote as an unfamiliar and potentially threatening dog.

Coyote Encounters

Coyotes are usually wary of humans and will avoid people whenever possible. Aggressive behavior toward people is not normal and is often a result of habituation due to feeding by humans.

Never feed or attempt to “tame” a coyote.

Do not turn your back or run from a coyote.

If approached or followed by a coyote, make loud noises, yell and make yourself look big.

If the coyote approaches to an uncomfortably close distance, throw rocks or other objects at the coyote.

Adults should keep themselves between the coyote and small children.