Coyotes on the Move in Wash Park

A small pack of coyotes has been sighted in Washington Park. Most of us living in the Wash Park/DU neighborhood are well acquainted with foxes, but keep in mind that coyotes are much more aggressive. Be careful with leaving your pets outside, even in their own back yard. Cats in particular are a tasty coyote treat. Also, if you run your dogs off leash at Wash Park at night, keep in mind that you are taking a big risk.

We got this message today from our friend Carleen Thorn of the Platt Park Green Team and it includes a comment from Ashley Delaup of Denver Parks and Rec. For your pet's sake, please read and pass on to your friends. We are in the start of coyote breeding season.

 

Be aware that coyote breeding season has arrived, from approximately mid December through mid March sightings of coyotes and potentially pet conflicts increase as weather gets colder, food becomes scarcer and coyotes become more territorial in anticipation of breeding and pups.  

Coyotes are ambush predators who typically hunt by themselves, so small unattended dogs and outdoor cats are at highest risk (generally 15lbs or less).   Larger dogs can come into conflict if viewed as competition, and may be more likely approached by multiple animals (a single coyote generally won’t pose a threat to a larger dog).  Coyotes do not want conflict with people, so the best ways to keep your pets safe are to stay close to them.  Keep cats indoors, especially after dark.  Check yards for a waiting coyote before letting dogs outside, especially if you have a normal routine a coyote might learn (i.e. every morning at 5:30 am you let the dog out).  If you spot an animal-aggressively chase it away, coyotes are built to run (they are the second fastest mammals in NA) and will ALWAYS leave a situation they feel threatened (unless cornered or injured!)  

ANYTIME you see a coyote, make eye contact and act like the biggest, meanest person they’ve ever seen.  Urban coyotes tend to disregard people and we need to remind them that WE are dominant and willing to defend OUR territory (including our pets), and they can quickly learn to avoid you personally and your yard and pet.  The more people who harass or “haze” a coyote, the faster it will begin to avoid people in general.  UNATTENDED PETS WILL ALWAYS BE AT RISK, a coyote does not differentiate between a cat or a rabbit, and a well socialized, domestic cat may be easier to catch.  For more information visitdenvergov.org/wildlife or contact the wildlife ecologist at 303-455-0785.

 

Getting Along with Urban Wildlife -- Aug. 11

In a far off galaxy, a long long time ago, I lived in Southern California. Coyotes were everywhere, as ubiquitous as pigeons. It wasn't a problem. I don't see why people in Denver can't do the same. Around the University of Denver we have foxes, coyotes, racoons, hawks, owls and grad students and we all get along just fine, for the most part.

Denver Parks & Rec's urban ecologist Ashley DeLaup will talk about getting along with urban wildlife on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at the Platt Park People's Association meeting, 6:30PM at Hope Community Church, 1801 S. Logan St., Denver.

The bottom line with wildlife:

-Don't feed them and please, don't try to make them your "special friend."

-Keep an eye on your pets, even in their own yard and especially at night. Don't leave pet food outside. 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.

-Frighten off wildlife 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

Although rare, coyotes have been known to injure people. Most of these incidents involved people feeding coyotes. Teach your family to steer clear of wildlife.

-Do not turn your back, and don't run.

-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.