Wisconsin DNR Biologists recently held a workshop on urban coyotes. Following is information provided by the Wisconsin DNR, along with information from the UW Extension and the Cook County, Illinois, Coyote Project, regarding how to handle sightings and encounters. Coyotes are not typically aggressive towards humans in areas where they are not hunted or trapped (residential areas). However, they may not flee immediately when seeing a human.
While coyotes seldom prey on domestic animals, there have been reports of coyotes taking small pets. If you see a coyote, you should keep your distance from the animal. If you feel a coyote is too close, please try the following techniques:
- turn on outside lights
- make loud noises, or
- toss a small object in the direction of the coyote (not at the coyote)
Taking one or more of these actions should cause the animal to flee.
To avoid conflicts with the animal and to protect pets:
- do not feed a coyote
- do not run from a coyote
- make loud noises/wave your arms
- do not leave small children outside unattended
- do not leave small pets outside unattended, especially at night when coyotes are most active
- keep pet food indoors
- keep your pet's vaccinations up to date
- remove bird feeders, fallen fruit, and enclose compost piles that may attract rodents and small mammals, on which coyotes regularly prey
- secure residential garbage
- report aggressive or fearless coyotes to the Police Department at 262.694.7353
When coyotes become more aggressive and less intimidated by humans or if a coyote takes a small household pet, you may want to consider contacting a wildlife removal professional for assistance. To learn more about coyotes, see the DNR factsheet attached below by clicking "View PDF."
View PDF