Every few weeks, I receive a notice in my inbox about a coyote sighting in a Decatur neighborhood. As annoying as this might sound, coyotes have adapted to an urban lifestyle and are here to stay, so co-existence is encouraged. The City of Decatur does not have a policy to remove coyotes. Here is a summary of information from the Stanley Park Ecology Society about co-existing with coyotes in an urban setting –
It is not normal for coyotes to attack or pursue humans, especially adults; it is a learned response to human behavior (e.g., feeding). You can discourage coyotes from hanging around your home by scaring them off your property and by removing coyote attractants, such as:
- Accessible garbage or compost, including fruit that has fallen from trees or shrubs
- Outdoor pet food and water
- Neglected yards, garages or sheds that make an ideal habitat for rodents (the main source of a coyote’s diet)
While coyotes will prey on outdoor cats and small dogs, here are some things you can do to reduce the risk to your pets.
If you own a cat – The only way to guarantee your cat’s safety is to keep it indoors. Outdoor cats face potential death from cars, diseases, parasites, raccoons and dogs, in addition to coyotes.
If you own a small dog –
- Keep your dog on a short leash while outside and avoid extension leashes
- Supervise your dog when it is off-leash in the yard
- Walk your dog at times and places that coincide with high pedestrian traffic
- Keep your dog in front of you where you can see it
- Dog walk with other people
If you own a large dog – Coyotes pose less risk to medium- to large-sized dogs. Keep large dogs on leash, except in designated areas, and discourage your dog from feeling comfortable with coyotes by preventing it from “playing” or interacting with a coyote.
For more tips on how to deal with coyotes and to report Decatur coyote sightings, please visit the City of Decatur Coyote Information Page, www.decaturga.com/coyotes.
