Coyotes

COYOTES SPOTTED--WATCH YOUR PETS! Some folks who walk their dogs in Amon Preserve report recurring incidents in which they and their dogs have been followed by coyotes. Coyotes have also been spotted a couple of times in Willowbrook this summer, usually in the early morning and late evening.

So here are a few commonsense tips: If you walk in Amon, stay on the trails. Keep your dog on a leash. Stay alert.

At home, keep your animals—especially cats and small dogs—INSIDE. Homes on the Willowbrook perimeter are probably more vulnerable. Do not leave pet food (or people food, for that matter) or water outside where it will attract opportunistic wildlife.

Below is info from the Humane Society:
http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/urban_wildlife_our_wild_neighbors/solving_problems/species/civil_war_or_civility_how_to_live_with_urban_coyotes/solving_problems_with_coyotes.html

· The promise of food is what lures coyotes into suburban yards. Feeding coyotes (or other wild animals) is a prescription for conflict. Don't attract these opportunistic animals by leaving pet food or water outside; and if you compost, be sure to use enclosed bins and never include meat or fish scraps. Good housekeeping, such as regularly raking areas around bird feeders and keeping trash in high-quality containers with tight-fitting lids, will also discourage coyote activity near residences. For good measure, don't place the cans at the curb until the morning of collection.

· Coyotes can be serious predators of cats and small dogs, and occasionally do some damage to home gardens. Owners can protect their pets by not letting them outdoors unattended, especially at night. (Coyotes are primarily nocturnal.) Cats in particular should never be permitted to roam freely and ideally should be left indoors.

Report unusual coyote behavior to Kathy Dechter at 627-0950 or kdechter@charter.net