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Nationwide, coyotes are garnering increased attention from
both the public and the media, which is attributed to more frequent coyote
sightings and rising numbers of complaints about coyote encounters. The South
Platte River Corridor is no exception—the numbers of coyote incidents are few,
but the animals are regularly observed along the river and trail and in
surrounding areas.
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Why the increase in coyote sightings in cities?
Heightened coyote populations may be triggered by urban development, as
it
reduces native coyote habitat and leaves coyotes with nowhere else to
go except
for cities and suburbs. However, the effects of urban development are
intensified by the fact that coyotes have an incredible ability to
adapt to new
habitats and diets. Coyotes are omnivores, which means that they eat
either or
both plants and animals. They will adjust their diets to whatever food
is
available, such as carrion (dead animals), rodents, rabbits, fruits,
insects,
cats, dogs, and even deer. Similarly, coyotes can easily live in almost
any
climate or habitat, whether it is prairie grasslands, mountain terrain,
deserts,
sparse forests, or dense cities.
What are local officials doing to address coyote concerns?
Many local government organizations are developing Coyote Management
Plans with
the primary goal of educating the public about coyote habitat and
behavior in
order to drive coyote populations out of urban areas. Lethal control
options
(i.e. shooting, hunting, and trapping) are not considered ideal
solutions
because not only do some of these methods endanger wildlife, domestic
pets, and
humans, but also because killing coyotes tends to trigger heightened
breeding
and even larger coyote populations.
What should I do if I encounter a coyote?
Many believe that the reason that coyotes have become more prevalent in
suburbs
and urban areas is because they have become habituated to populated
areas and
have lost their instinctive fear of humans. Therefore, one way to
reduce
conflicts between coyotes and humans involves scaring and frightening
coyotes
and essentially reinstating their fear of humans (commonly referred to
as
“hazing”). The Colorado Division of Wildlife offers a few suggestions
on how to
respond when encountering a coyote:
- Never approach a coyote.
- Do not turn your back to a coyote
or
attempt to run from the animal.
- Use a loud voice to yell at the
animal
with the intent to scare.
- Make yourself appear as large as
possible.
- If a coyote approaches you or
your pet,
throw rocks, sticks, or non-edible
objects at
the animal.
- Haze coyotes every single time
you see or
encounter them—they need to be
fearful of
humans in every instance or they will
continue
to inhabit populated areas.
What can I do to prevent interactions with coyotes?
- Do not feed coyotes or leave food
accessible.
- Pick up and properly dispose of
garbage in
tightly sealed containers.
- Clean garbage cans regularly
using
solvents with unnatural odors (such
as
ammonia) to reduce residual odors.
- Always keep pets inside at night.
- Keep pets in fenced yards or in
completely-enclosed kennels.
- Do not leave pet food or water
outside at
night.
- When hiking or walking, keep your
pet on a
leash and do not allow it to roam
free.
- Frighten coyotes who are near
your home
with loud noises.
For more information on coyotes, please visit the Colorado Division
of
Wildlife website:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/Mammals/
CoyoteCountry.htm
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