Coyotes are a predator and are naturally drawn to areas like greenbelts, golf courses, open spaces, water ways and trails. These kinds of natural areas provide shelter, water and food for most urban wildlife species to thrive. This rich environment brings both prey and predator to the back doors of area residents. Coyotes generally are scared of humans and it is exceedingly rare to have a coyote bite or attack a human. Nevertheless, Arvada Animal Management is encouraging area residents to use hazing techniques when they see a coyote, like shouting, clapping hands, exaggerated arm gestures and stomping feet. Hazing is a way to keep the coyote scared of humans and human occupied areas, thus reduce or eliminate bad behaviors.
Reporting Coyote Activity
You can submit an electronic report or call Arvada Animal Management at 720-898-6850. An Animal Management Officer will take a “Coyote Report” to help track and document activity. For emergencies please call 911, 720-898-6900 or 303.980.7300.
NEVER feed coyotes (or any other wildlife), either purposefully or indirectly
NEVER feed a coyote - a fed coyote can make them aggressive! If you suspect someone is feeding coyotes, immediately contact Arvada Animal Management at 720-898-6850. 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, spraying water, and throwing objects adjacent to the coyote. Coyotes are naturally afraid of humans. Encouraging them into our neighborhoods and yards can diminish that fear and create problem coyotes.
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. 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 lead. 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 that back to open space or greenbelts where coyotes have been documented.
