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The Village of River Hills is not alone dealing with a sizeable coyote population.  Recently, we had a discussion with the Wisconsin Humane Society Wildlife expert regarding coyotes.  This discussion came about when one of our residents informed us that he intended to trap coyotes on his land.  While the DNR allows individuals to trap on their own land and the Village of River Hills Police Department has a list of licensed trappers who work in the area, the Wisconsin Humane Society stated that trapping is not an effective way to rid an area of coyotes. 

The Humane Society explained that when animals are trapped and removed from an area, it creates a void in that area which actually leads to even more animals moving in.  When a parent is trapped and removed or killed, it often leaves hungry orphaned babies who will hang out near to homes for garbage or even small dogs or cats if they are starving.  They stated that trapping is not a long term solution and gave several suggestions and some very helpful information regarding coexisting with coyotes.

The Human Society Wildlife expert explained that coyotes are not getting bolder because they are getting used to people, but are getting bolder because people are showing fear which coyotes can sense.  They recommend that if you come into contact with a coyote, you throw rocks, tennis balls or anything like that at their hind quarters and continue to do this anytime a coyote is in the area.  It was also suggested that a water gun would work well.  These actions will make it a negative for the coyote to be around people.  They explained that after a couple of encounters with rocks, tennis balls or water guns, the coyote will be dissuaded from the area.

SUGGESTIONS FOR URBAN COYOTE MANAGEMENT PROVIDED BY THE WISCONSIN DNR AND THE WISCONSIN HUMANE SOCIETY

• Walk pets on leashes.  Do not leave them alone outside, especially at night.
• Fences should be at least 6 ft. high.  The bottom should be underground at least 1.5 ft. and the top should be bent outward away from the enclosed area.
• Kennels should have a 6 ft. fence, concrete floor, and a roof.  Provide secure shelters for other outside pets, such as rabbits.
• Dispose of especially attractive food wastes such as meat, cheese and eggs by adding a small amount of ammonia to the bag.
• Put garbage out the day of the removal in secure garbage cans – fasten lids with rope or bungee cords.
• Discourage prey items, such as rabbits, mice, chipmunks and ground squirrels by trapping, keeping the grass mowed, and removing birdseed.
• When composting, use enclosed bins rather than exposed piles.  Avoid adding dog or cat waste, meat, milk or eggs to compost.
• If you have fruit trees, pick the ripe fruit and keep the fallen fruit off the ground.
• Don’t leave small children outside unattended.  Tell children to come into the house if they see a strange dog in the yard.
• Motion sensing lights or sprinklers may deter coyotes from your yard.  A motion sensing sprinkler, the “Scarecrow,” is available from Wally’s Workbench*.
• Clear bushes and weeds away from your home.  Dense vegetation provides attractive habitat for animals on which coyotes prey.
• Leave radios on outside while people are outside.
• Keep cats indoors where they are also safe from cars, other animals and from getting lost.
• Don’t leave pet food outside.
• Spay or neuter your dogs.  Coyotes are attracted to and can mate with unsterilized domestic dogs.
• Encourage other people in the neighborhood to take precautions.

COYOTE ENCOUNTERS

Never feed or attempt to “tame” a coyote

• Avoid direct eye contact
• Do not turn your back or run
• Attempt to leave the area calmly
• If followed, make loud noises and make yourself look big.  If this fails, throw rocks or sticks in the direction of the coyote, being careful not to hit the coyote.

One more informational item regarding coyotes is that if they are not hungry and encounter domesticated dogs, they may not be aggressive and they may actually run and play with domesticated family pets.  Some of our residents have reported seeing just this happening with neighborhood pets running with a pack.  If they run and play one day they probably will return for more play time. Also remember that they are attracted to and will mate with unsterilized pets. The Humane Society recommends that if you see coyotes in the area that you bring your dogs inside and not allow them to interact with the coyotes.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

• Wisconsin Humane Society Coexisting with Coyotes

http://www.wihumane.org/wildlife/coyotes.aspx

Wisconsin Human Society – Wally’s Workbench*

http://www.wihumane.org/wildlife/wallysworkbench.aspx

4 page DNR fact sheet “The Coyote” Publication WM-148 86
Write to:
DNR, Bureau of Wildlife Management
PO Box 7921
Madison, WI  53707

Listing of Local Trappers - River Hills Police Department 414-247-2302