Coyotes Still A Concern Inside City Limits

Over the past several weeks, city residents have reported multiple sightings of coyotes within the city limits of Coeur d'Alene. While coyotes probably are always present within the city, the number of recent sightings is new. Coyotes are highly adaptable and live anywhere they can find food, water and shelter. Where urban and suburban areas interface with good security and shelter, such as woodlands, creek bottoms and culverts, coyotes are prone to enter city limits whenever food is abundant. Reducing an area's suitability to coyotes will encourage them to leave for more typical habitat. Residents can reduce the likelihood that coyotes will find the area around their homes desirable. Garbage can lids should be secured at all times, and it is better to store garbage inside a garage or shed. Pets should be fed during the day, and pet food and water bowls placed inside before dark. In areas where predation of pets by coyotes has been documented, cats and small dogs should not be let out at night unless they are in a kennel. Food left out to attract squirrels or birds can attract coyotes intent upon feeding on the squirrels or birds. High vegetation and brush piles can attract small mammals that in turn attract coyotes. Pruning bushes, mowing tall grass and removing brush piles will reduce hiding cover that coyotes use to stalk pets. If coyotes remain a concern, several nuisance animal control service companies are listed in the yellow pages. Idaho Fish and Game 208-769-1414 can provide a list of companies licensed to do nuisance animal control.