CONTACT #1:
Deputy Cocha Heyden, Public Information Officer, 303-660-7586, pgr 303-826-7822
CONTACT #2:
RELEASE DATE: 01/24/08 RELEASE TIME: 10:30 am CASE NUMBER: n/a
WHAT: Douglas County Sheriff Wants Citizens to Be Educated About Coyote Sightings and Encounters
NARRATIVE: DOUGLAS COUNTY: The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple calls in the last few weeks about coyote sightings and encounters in the higher populated areas of Douglas County. Sheriff Dave Weaver wants citizens to become educated about these animals as well as the dos and don’ts when encountering a coyote.
The following are things you can do if you spot a coyote in your neighborhood or near your home:
• Frighten coyotes with loud noises.
• Keep garbage in a tightly sealed container.
• In your yard, remove pet food, fallen fruit and spilled seed beneath birdfeeders.
• Use yard lights or motion detectors to frighten them away.
• Keep pets in fenced areas or covered kennels.
• Stay with your pets while outdoors, unless pets are in a secured, covered kennel.
• Do not allow pets to run loose. Keep pets on a leash.
Coyotes are usually skittish of humans and typically try to avoid people whenever possible. If you encounter a coyote:
• Never feed or attempt to tame a coyote.
• Do not turn your back or run from a coyote.
• If approached, make loud noises and make yourself look big. If this fails, throw rocks or other objects.
• Always keep yourself between the coyote and small children.
Although attacks on humans are extremely rare, parents need to speak to their children about what to do if they encounter a coyote.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife has an extensive website that details information about coyotes and what todo if you spot one. Please visit
http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/.
-30-
