Coyotes are attracted to neighborhoods due to the availability of their natural food sources, pet food, birdfeeders, compost piles and garbage. Please keep these attractants away and securely fastened. In addition, pets may be easy prey for coyotes. To ensure pet safety cats should stay indoors and small dogs should be accompanied outdoors. Pets should be on a leash at all times. Stay in well lit areas and keep a whistle handy. If small dogs must be kept outdoors daily or at night, the City strongly recommends a fully enclosed dog run secured to the house.

The following measures have been reported to work well in hazing and in actively co-existing with wildlife in our urban areas. If approached by a coyote practice the following hazing techniques:

· Wave arms and yell in an authoritative voice

· Bang pots and pans

· Spray with garden hose

· Throw rocks, sticks, tennis balls and any non-edible items toward the coyote

· Use air horns or whistles

· Motion detection yard lights

· Coyote Can Shaker - soda can with pennies wrapped in aluminum foil sealed with duct tape. Shake to make noise or throw toward the coyote

· Do NOT feed coyotes- it is illegal to feed coyotes in the state of Colorado . Please report individuals feeding coyotes to the Colorado Department of Wildlife at (303) 291-7227.

When using hazing techniques it is very important to change the hazing method used each time. It is important to continue hazing until the coyote leaves the area.

 

Article taken from City of Centennial eNewsletter – July, 2010