Animal Services shares tips for keeping safe around wildlife

Many residents may be unsure how to respond when wildlife venture into neighborhoods, but Temple Animal Services has some tips for how to safely and effectively ward off coyotes.

“Unfortunately, trapping and relocating coyotes is neither humane nor effective,” Animal Control Field Supervisor James Martin said. “Trapping is ineffective because coyotes and bobcats find more food in residential areas than they do in undeveloped areas.”

However, there are a few techniques that have been proven effective in reducing coyote sightings in residential neighborhoods.

Food

Coyotes generally avoid human contact, unless they’re lured in by food. Never directly feed a coyote and don’t leave pet food outside.

Use bins with a lid for compost and trash, clean spilled birdseed around feeders and remove fallen fruit from the ground. Eliminating possible food sources will prevent coyotes from being drawn to neighborhoods.

Shelter

According to the Humane Society of the United states, coyotes can live in dens and burrows near humans without ever being noticed. Decks and storage sheds make prime locations for coyotes to burrow beneath.

Check fences to see if there are any places coyotes can get in and make sure structures don’t have any access points beneath them.

Hazing

In the event of a coyote encounter, a variety of techniques known as hazing can be used to drive the animal from the area.

Make yourself big and loud by yelling and waving your arms while approaching the coyote. Use noisemakers, whistles or air horns.

“You want to run the coyote off out of that territory so that it would not return again,effectively teaching the coyote that it is not welcome and that this is your territory,not his,” Martin said. “They are very intelligent and quick learners. They will not go back to an area where they feel threatened and will communicate that to others that may be in the area.

For more tips on coyote encounters, visit humanesociety.org/coyotes.