News Flash

Please see the attached public service announcement and information from our Animal Control Officer regarding coyotes. While incidents are rare, they do occur and hopefully this information can help!
 
Incidents involving coyotes can be on the rise this time of year due to mating & nesting season, which is currently ongoing. Coyotes can be more aggressive and protective of their territory during January – May, which can cause more negative contacts with citizen’s pets. Breeding season generally occurs January-March, and the pups are born in a den or hollow in April or May. Please be aware that coyotes are among us year-round, and they have adapted to living side by side with us in our cities and neighborhoods. Coyotes rarely attack humans, but problems can occur for our small pets (cats & small to medium size dogs), especially if they are outside unrestrained and unsupervised. There are several protective measures everyone can take to reduce or eliminate these problems:
 

1.  If you see a sick or injured coyote (or other animal), DO NOT approach. Please call Animal Control via non-emergency Police Dispatch 913-642-5151. If possible, keep eyes on the animal from a safe distance, in order to direct Animal Control / Police to the animals location.

2.  DO NOT leave domestic pets outside unattended. Even if you have a fenced yard, your small pets may be at risk of an attack. Coyotes are most active at dawn, dusk, and nighttime. Attacks on humans are very rare, and simply by having your physical presence near your pet, it helps to protect them. Dogs should always remain on leash when on walks and off your property (remember, it’s the law!).
 
3.  DO NOT feed coyotes. If coyotes are provided a food source, whether intentionally or unintentionally, they learn to associate people with food. Remove any outdoor pet food, fallen fruit or vegetables, and keep trash cans inside a secured structure or with tight fitting lids.
 
4.  REMOVE or trim down any overgrown vegetation/brush areas. These locations create a habitat for rabbits, squirrels, and various smaller rodents, which are natural prey animals for coyotes. An abundance of this prey will attract coyotes to the area. Thick brush also provides sheltering locations for coyotes to hide and feel comfortable. This includes any outdoor wood piles used for residential fires.
 
5.  DO NOT leave any water sources available, which are often used by prey animals as well as the coyote.
 
6.  HAZE THEM. If you see a coyote, scare it away, but do not turn your back to it. Shout, wave your arms over your head, throw rocks or sticks at it, blow a whistle, shake pennies or marbles in a jar, bang on pots or pans, spray it with water from a hose, etc. If coyotes recognize people as a threat, they are less likely to cause problems. They may come back over the next few days - weeks, so be prepared to haze them again if needed.

 
Additional resources provided by the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks:
Coyotes in the City
Urban Coyote Fact Sheet