Don't Feed the Animals

Co-existing in Coyote Country

Coyotes share our urban and suburban habitats with us. They are opportunistic members of our local ecosystem and have an important role in controlling populations of geese, pigeons, mice, voles, snakes and insects. Successful coexistence with coyotes requires an understanding of how coyotes survive, as well as an understanding of how humans can shape coyote behavior. Research in urban and suburban areas demonstrates that the best way to avoid negative contacts with coyotes is to keep your local coyotes wild.

NEVER feed coyotes (or any other wildlife), either purposefully or indirectly.
NEVER feed a coyote—a fed coyote is an aggressive or dead coyote. If you suspect someone is feeding coyotes, immediately contact Parks and Open Space Naturalist staff at 303-859-8911. Do not leave pet food outside, day or night. Do not leave trash uncovered or out on the curb overnight. Make sure dumpsters are covered at all times.
Never encourage a coyote to approach you or enter your yard or your neighborhood.

Coyotes should not feel welcome in yards, neighborhoods, or playgrounds. If you see a coyote in your neighborhood you should haze it. Hazing techniques include forceful shouting, loud noises, clapping hands, spraying water, blowing a horn and throwing objects adjacent to the coyote.

If you are approached or followed by a coyote:

Be as BIG and LOUD as possible. Keep small children near you; do not let them run away. Always keep your pet on a leash. Collect small pets into your arms. Keep larger pets close to you. In a loud and forceful voice, command the coyote to go away. Use arm gestures to exaggerate your size and voice. Throw objects (not food) adjacent to the coyote. Slowly move toward a busy, populated area. There is no need to run.

Protect your pets from wild neighbors.
Always keep your dog on a leash. In areas where there have been coyote sightings, keep your dog on a shorter leash. In addition to coyotes, cats at large are at risk from traffic, other cats, domestic dogs, foxes, and great horned owls. A safe cat is an indoor cat. Supervise pets in backyards near open space or in areas where coyotes have been documented.

If you would like to learn more about living in coyote country please visit the Open Space and Natural Resources website at auroragov.org/nature.