To increase community awareness, minimize the risk of coyote attacks on pets and otherwise reduce the risks associated with encounters with coyotes, the Town has decided to establish two different committees to study the problem: Coyote Management Task Force and the Coyote Awareness and Safety Advisory Committee.
Both committees recognize that coyote sightings have noticeably increased in the Town of New Castle over the years. Town residents have reported having their dogs attacked and killed by coyotes. The town recognizes the need to educate residents about the presence of coyotes and seek input from the community as to coyote sightings and interactions.
The goals and work of the Coyote Management Task Force shall include providing information to residents about coyote hazing (i.e., teaching residents how to effectively haze coyotes in different situations such as at home, in a public park, etc.); identifying measures that can be taken by Town staff in our DPW and Recreation and Parks Departments; informing residents on best practices for storing garbage, using bird feeders, storing food, cleaning-up picnic areas and ball fields; exploring and developing methods and criteria for tracking coyotes and notifying residents about coyote activity in their immediate neighborhoods; and providing information as to when trapping may be necessary.
Education and Information
The goals and work of the Coyote Awareness and Safety Advisory Committee shall include providing science-based information and coyote management plans and strategies regarding best practices on all levels for dealing with coyotes, including but not limited to providing education and information to residents and to the Town Board regarding hazing, prevention strategies, tracking, conflict deterrents and behavior modification, what to do when sightings occur, coyote management and trapping when necessary.
New Castle Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein stated “the Coyote Management Task Force and the Coyote Awareness and Safety Advisory Committee will work in a collaborative fashion to provide residents and the Town Board with a full range of information and perspectives on dealing with the presence of coyotes in our community.
Many websites offer coyote information. Ann Brochstein highly recommends the tips provided by the Colorado Division of Wildlife:
If a coyote approaches you:
- Do not run or turn your back.
- Be as big and loud as possible.
- Wave your arms and throw objects.
- Face the coyote and back away slowly.
- If attacked, fight back.
Protect your pets:
- Keep pets on a short leash.
- Use extra caution dusk through dawn.
- Avoid known or potential den sites and thick vegetation.
- Do not allow dogs to interact with coyote.
Be prepared!
If you have concerns about an encounter with a coyote:
- Recreate during daylight hours.
- Walk with a walking stick.
- Keep a deterrent spray handy.
- Carry noise makers or rocks to throw.
Your home & coyotes:
- Never feed coyotes.
- Remove attractants from your yard, including pet food, water sources, bird feeders, and fallen fruit.
- Secure trash in a container with a locking lid or put trash out on the morning of pick up.
- Deter coyotes with a six-foot privacy fence.
- Never approach wildlife–if a coyote approaches, yell, throw rocks or sticks at it, spray with a hose, or bang pots and pan.
Your pet & coyotes:
- Keep pets on a six-foot leash when walking.
- Never allow your pets to “play” with a coyote.
- Pick up small pets if confronted by a coyote.
- Always supervise your pet when outside, especially at dawn or dusk.
- Never leave cats or dogs outside after dark.
- Don’t leave pet food outside.
- If you must leave your pet outside, secure it in a fully enclosed kennel.
