May 5, 2010

To all Castle Pines North citizens:

The Colorado Division of Wildlife is asking people to take precautions when living or recreating in coyote country. From coyote attacks on pets to aggressive coyotes approaching people, the Division is receiving increasing calls about coyote activity.

"Spring is denning season for coyotes and with new pups in the dens, coyotes will behave more aggressively," explained John Broderick, Terrestrial Program Manager for the Division of Wildlife. "When you put defensive coyotes trying to feed their young into the mix with lots of people heading outdoors to enjoy the warming weather, you get the right mix for potential problems."

The DOW wants to caution people about encounters with coyotes. Coyote home ranges can include urban areas such as the downtown Denver corridor. From feeding on pets in the urban environment to more natural prey in canyon, sage and forest lands, coyotes are common around the state.
 
Many urban coyote conflicts often center on feeding issues. When people feed wildlife, it does not take long to teach a wild animal to associate people with food, but it is very difficult to convince a habituated coyote to return to wild ways. Coyotes that appear friendly may be mimicking behavior that has been rewarded with food in the past: Remember that all wildlife is unpredictable. Do not get close or encourage interaction with wild animals. When it becomes apparent that no food is forthcoming, the coyote’s behavior can change abruptly.

People with pets need to keep them on a leash when walking them. While at home, pets should not be allowed to roam freely.  Even pets in enclosed yards run the risk of predation, especially at night.  People should also feed their pets inside in an effort to keep pet food from attracting coyotes and other wildlife.

Encounters with aggressive coyotes should be reported via the City's Coyote Incident Report or to the nearest Colorado Division of Wildlife office.

For more information, get a copy of “Living with Wildlife in Coyote Country” at your local Division of Wildlife office or on the web.

Incorporated Feb. 12, 2008, Castle Pines North is a city of about 10,000 located 20 miles south of Denver in Douglas County. For more information about news and events in Castle Pines North, please visit the city’s Web site. If you have any questions or comments, please call the city offices at 303.705.0200, or fill out an online comment form.