Coexisting with Coyotes, Oakdale Police Department Offers Tips

Conventional wisdom says to ignore wild animals and leave them alone, but that’s not always the best approach when dealing with a coyote, said Oakdale Community Affairs Officer Michelle Stark. 

“In the case of the coyote, we really want to haze them and let them know it’s not OK to be in certain areas,” Stark said.

Due to coyote sightings in the area, and reports of problems in other Twin Cities suburbs, the Oakdale Police Department is working to educate the public about the wild dogs before more serious reports—like a small pet being hurt or killed—come in, Stark said.

A coyote attack on a dog , and coyotes attacked another dog earlier this year in Eden Prairie.

While attacks haven’t been reported in Oakdale, police have been asked whether it’s OK to shoot a coyote, and received a report of a neighbor feeding coyote pups, she said.

Coyotes become a problem, she said, when they become “habituated,” or lose their fear of humans, which typically happens when they learn that people and neighborhoods are a source of food.

“If it stops and looks at you and doesn’t run away from you within moments, it may be a cause for concern,” Stark said. “We definitely don’t want people feeding them inadvertently or on purpose.”

Pet food left outside, unsecured trash, compost piles, rotting fruit from fruit trees and bird feeders can all be sources of food for coyotes, she said.

To restore or reinforce a coyote’s fear of humans, experts recommend “hazing” them by yelling, stomping your feet, using a noisemaker like a whistle or throwing items like sticks or tennis balls. Hazing can also include spraying them with water, a mixture of water and vinegar, pepper spray or bear repellent, according to a brochure produced by the city.

This causes the coyote not only to leave, but to stay away from the area and to pass the message onto its pups and family as well, the brochure says.

Coyotes typically aren’t a threat to humans, but they can prey on unattended cats and small dogs, Stark said.

“We certainly encourage people to keep housecats in the house because the general population of companion cats are not outside on a leash with their owners,” Stark said. “They kind of do what they please once they’re out. The only way to keep them safe is inside.”

Dogs are typically safe if they’re inside a fence that’s at least 6 feet tall, she said, or with roller attachments on the top bar that prevent the animal from being able to climb the fence. Keeping shrubs trimmed so coyotes don’t have a place to hide also helps, she said.

Small children should be taught to react to coyotes using the Be S.M.A.R.T. method, Stark said, stop and don’t make sudden moves, make yourself look big, announce yourself by making noise, retreat by backing away slowly and tell an adult.

It’s important not to run away, Stark said, because that ignites a coyote’s predator instinct to chase you.

“Typically, they are a skittish animal and will flee the area quite easily with some disturbing noise or yelling or throwing projectiles at them,” she said.

The department’s planning a training session for the public on dealing with coyotes, Stark said, sometime this summer.

Following are tips from the City of Oakdale’s brochure on coyotes:

Keeping Your Pets Safe

Coyotes normally hunt rodents, but unattended pets especially small dogs and cats are at risk.

• Always attend a pet outdoors.
• Keep pets inside at night.
• Always use a leash.
• If you encounter a coyote while walking your pet, do not allow the coyote between you and the pet. Pick up and carry small pets.
• Do not allow large dogs to play with coyotes. 
• Be extra vigilant with large dogs during mating season between January-March to avoid territory conflicts.

How to Avoid Feeding Coyotes

Deliberately feeding coyotes is a mistake. This is a surefire way to get them accustomed to people.

• Secure outdoor trash receptacles with a tight fitting lid.
• Do not leave pet food outdoors.
• Clean and remove barbeque food scraps.
• Clean up around bird feeders.
• Remove fallen and rotten fruit from the ground.