City reminds community about wildlife precautions

Recent encounters between coyotes and residents in north Boulder have prompted the city to remind people to use caution whenever a coyote or other wildlife is present, especially when pets are around.

Recent events include: an attack on a dog by a coyote south of Wonderland Lake; a coyote lunging at a dog at the Foothills Community Dog Park; and, an encounter with two coyotes near 4th Street and Lee Hill Drive that forced action by pet guardians.

Incidences like these show that coyotes are predators that should be treated with caution. Most coyotes prey on rabbits, mice, birds and other small animals, but, in urban areas, their prey can include small pets, such as cats and dogs. While attacks on humans are rare, people should take precautions to protect themselves and their pets.

“Coyotes are smart, adaptable predators who quickly learn to take advantage of any newly discovered food source,” said Valerie Matheson, urban wildlife coordinator for the City of Boulder. “It’s important to realize that pets may be seen as prey to coyotes that may attempt to lure pets away from their owners in order to attack them.”

Here are some tips to help avoid problematic encounters with coyotes:

· Do not feed wildlife. Feeding coyotes teaches them to associate people with food.
· Do not approach or encourage interaction with wild animals.
· Keep pets on a leash when outdoors.
· Keep outdoor pets in kennels. Even pets in enclosed yards run the risk of predation, especially at night.
· Keep pet food inside in order to prevent attracting wild animals.
· Remind children to stay close to a group of people. If a child is approached by any wild animal, he or she should walk backwards slowly away to where a group of people are present.
· Teach children that coyotes are wild, unpredictable animals that should never be approached and should only be viewed from a safe distance. If an animal appears ‘jumpy’ or nervous when people move, they are probably too close and should move slowly away to a safer distance.

To report coyote attacks on pets, contact City of Boulder Urban Wildlife Coordinator Valerie Matheson at 303-441-3004 or mathesonv@bouldercolorado.gov. If you witness coyotes acting aggressively toward a person in Boulder, report the encounter to the Boulder Police Department by calling 303-441-3333. The Colorado Division of Wildlife offers information on how to safely coexist with the numerous animal species that are native to Colorado and the Front Range. For more information, visit the CDOW website at http://wildlife.state.co.us or call 303-297-1192.