May Newsletter

GOVERNMENT
OUR NATURAL
environment
SPRING COYOTE BEHAVIOR
Wildlife experts indicate that most coyote and human
conflicts have been a direct result of human behavior such as
feeding coyotes, walking a dog without a leash, or leaving
food or water outside for your pets. Although these behaviors
may seem innocent, they are actually harmful to you and
your family, and to the health and safety of the coyote
population.
DO NOT FEED COYOTES
The feeding of coyotes by humans is one of the most harmful
actions man can inflict on coyotes and wild animal
populations. It is essential to minimize human/coyote
conflict as well the health and well-being of coyotes to not be
fed by humans. Coyotes used to being fed become habituated
to human-provided food and alter their foraging and hunting
behavior. The feeding of coyotes encourages them to remain
in residential areas, increasing their encounters with pets and
humans.
What You Can Do:
• Never feed coyotes! Intentionally feeding coyotes is
illegal and these laws will be enforced.
• Keep pet food and water inside.
• Discourage others from feeding coyotes.
• Do not touch young coyotes. A coyote that appears
orphaned most often is not; the mother is usually nearby.
• Teach children not to feed, play with, or pet coyotes.
• Do not give coyotes the opportunity to get into your
garbage; keep garbage in sealed containers with secure lids.
• Remove attractants from your yard such as pet food, water
sources, bird feeders and fallen fruit.
• Fully enclose gardens and compost piles.
IF A COYOTE APPROACHES YOU
Be as Big, Mean, and Loud as possible
• Wave your arms and throw objects at the coyote
• Shout in a deep, loud and authoritative voice
• DO NOT RUN or turn your back on the coyote
• Face the coyote and back away slowly
• If attacked, fight back with your fists and feet
KEEP YOUR DOGS ON A LEASH
As coyotes adapt to their surroundings, they have discovered
that humans provide a sufficient source for food, water, and
shelter. Coyotes will feed on whatever is available to them,
including your household pets. While some attacks on pets
have been known to occur in backyards, many coyote-pet
interactions occur when a household pet is allowed to roam
free.
What You Can Do:
• Keep pets on a six-foot leash when walking at all times.
It is illegal to have your dog off a leash and the law will
be enforced.
• Never allow your pets to “play” with a coyote.
• Pick up small pets if confronted by a coyote.
• Always supervise your pet when outside, especially at
dawn and dusk.
• Never leave cats or dogs outside after dark.
• If you must leave your pet outside, secure it in a fully
enclosed kennel.
• Keep your pets up-to-date on vaccinations.
REPORT COYOTE
BEHAVIOR AND ACTIVITY
Please call the Greenwood Village Police Department at
303-773-2525 with information on coyote sightings. The
Police Department is actively keeping a record of coyote
activity in the Village which will assist the Village in tracking
the coyote population. GV
PG. 12 GV NEWSLETTER | MAY 2018