Signs of spring in the high country of the Pikes Peak region: The first pasque flowers are blooming, hummingbirds are buzzing, and the animals are hungry. In the back yards in Woodland Park, deer have been grazing in huge groups. And throughout the region, coyotes, bears, and mountain lions are more active again.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife has issued its yearly reminders about how to coexist with these predators. The agency has been inundated with calls about coyote activity, and urges people to be cautious around this wild member of the dog family. Coyotes can prey on rabbits, mice and birds, but will also take on small cats and dogs.
What should you do? Keep your pets on a leash while you walk them and don’t let them roam freely, even at home. Even if you have an enclosed yard, your pets could be attacked by hungry coyotes. Keep coyotes out of your trash by washing the cans with strong-smelling products such as ammonia. Remove vegetation and brush from your yard that could provide cover. Use motion-detection lights, and keep the area around your home clean – pick up pet food, compost scraps, fallen fruit and seed spilled from bird feeders.
Treat a coyote like you would treat an aggressive, non-friendly dog. If one approaches you, don’t turn your back or run, and if you are followed, make loud noises and make yourself look big. If the animal approaches, throw rocks or other objects at it.
The DOW also has issued tips for coexisting with bears, and has a new video about mountain lion encounters.
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Tags: Wildlife
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