Coyote FAQ

Q: Why are there coyotes in my neighborhood, shouldn't they be on Open Space land?

A: Although coyotes tend to make their dens on open space land, their territories can and often expand into nearby neighborhoods. It is normal for coyotes to be attracted to residential areas. However, it is important to do everything possible to make sure coyotes are not comfortable in neighborhoods. Make sure there is nothing attracting coyotes to your neighborhood such as fallen fruit, unsecured trash or compost, exposed water sources, dirty barbeque grills, outside pet food, or intentional wildlife feeding. It is illegal to feed coyotes in Broomfield based on Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations. Utilize low-intensity hazing whenever a coyote is sighted; look big, shout, throw rocks/stones, spray water or pepper spray, use noisemakers, or shrine bright lights. Work with your neighbors and homeowners association to make sure negative coyote interactions are minimized.

Q: Why are conflicts on the rise? 

Coyotes have adapted to the easy life cities provide and as they continue to habituate (lose their natural wariness of people due to ample habitat and close proximity to people without negative consequences), coyote conflicts are likely to increase. It only takes one coyote (or one group of coyotes with “bad" behavior) to cause problems within your neighborhood. And unfortunately, one person in your neighborhood leaving attractants out or intentionally feeding coyotes or other wildlife can create that “bad” behavior. Thus, minimizing conflicts typically requires a two-prong approach:  1) educating residents on how their actions influence coyote behavior, and 2) getting a community commitment to remove attractants and haze coyotes that approach people too closely.  

Q: I saw a coyote while hiking or walking my dog through Open Space, what should I do? 

A: Coyotes call Broomfield home, and are here to stay. In order to make sure you and your family or pet is safe when seeing a coyote, follow these guidelines: 

• Stop! Do not run. If you run, the coyote may chase. 
• Pick up small dogs and children, if possible.
• Make yourself look as big as possible.
• Shout, wave your arms over your head, or throw rocks/sticks.
• Back away slowly if the coyote does not retreat. 
• Keep all dogs on a short (less than six feet) leash.
• Bring a deterrent with you like a walking stick, flashlight or whistle. 
• Visit the Protect Your Pets from Coyotes web page for more information.

Q: I saw a coyote out during the day. Isn't that unusual for a coyote? 

A: Coyotes are naturally diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. Many coyotes have adapted to be more active at night in response to human activity, but seeing one during the day does not mean something is wrong with it. Utilize low-intensity hazing whenever a coyote is sighted; look big, shout, throw rocks/stones, spray water or pepper spray, use noisemakers, blow a coyote whistle or shine bright lights. 

Q: I own a dog/cat and am fearful for its life because of coyotes. What should I do? 

A: Many animals see pets as food: eagles, owls, hawks, and foxes have all been known to prey on pets. Coyotes often see dogs as prey or competition as well, and have been known to kill pets. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that your pet is safe. Coyotes can jump even six foot fences, so dogs should always be attended while in the backyard or kept in a secure run with a roof. Always keep dogs on a short (less than 6 ft) leash when recreating. Cats should always be kept inside. 

Q: Should my family be fearful of coyotes? Do they attack humans? 

A: Although extremely rare, coyotes have been known to attack humans. Most of these attacks  have been in association with coyotes being fed by people or involved pets. Coyotes that exhibit dangerous behavior towards people (such as raising its hackles, baring its teeth, or growling) should be reported to CPW.  Call Broomfield Police at 911 to report a coyote attack on a human. Utilize low-intensity hazing whenever a coyote is sighted in order to re-instill a coyote's natural fear of humans. Educate the children about the presence of urban wildlife, the S.M.A.R.T. method for encountering coyotes and teach them to NEVER approach any animal, wild or domestic, they don’t know.

Q: I saw a coyote that was sick or injured, can Broomfield do anything to help?

A: Wild animals can often survive injuries or recover from illness and the approach for a sick coyote is to let nature take its course. If a coyote has become completely immobile from illness or injury, you may call the Broomfield Police Animal Services at 303-438-6400 to have the animal humanely euthanized. You may also call CPW’s Denver Office at 303-291-7227.

Q: I saw a coyote that was missing a lot of hair, is mange contagious to humans or pets? 

A: Sarcoptic mange is a canine disease that is caused by an infestation of the skin by mites, resulting in various degrees of hair loss. Both coyotes and foxes are known to carry mange. Serious cases of mange can cause blindness, hearing loss, difficulty eating, and can be lethal in wild canines. Sarcoptic mange can be transferred to dogs and even cats, but is highly treatable with medication from a veterinarian. Do not allow your pet to interact with coyotes. Sarcoptic mange very rarely transfers to humans and when it does it is generally self-limiting, causing only temporary itching. 

Q: Why doesn't Broomfield trap and relocate coyotes? 

A: Multiple generations of coyotes have been born and raised in cities and have adapted to the easy life (ample habitat with little to no human hazing) cities provide them.  Although there are varying opinions on whether coyotes should be in the city, the reality is cities provide (and always will) the habitat required to support coyote populations.

Trapping wild coyotes is an extremely dangerous operation. The reality is that suburban areas provide attractive habitat for coyotes and coyotes are capable of traveling up to 300 miles to return to their home territory. Additionally, Colorado Parks and Wildlife does not authorize relocations of predators in the urban area because there is nowhere for the coyote to go. Moving wildlife across county lines is not permitted. 

Once a coyote is removed, another coyote is likely to move in to take its place due to their large ranges and sensitivity to resource availability. Coyote litter sizes adapt to mirror the amount of available resources in the area so when coyotes are removed litter sizes can be larger.

Q: Why am I not allowed to shoot coyotes that encroach onto my property? 

A: It is illegal to discharge a firearm in Broomfield (Broomfield Municipal Code: 9-72-020). The shooting of coyotes is not permitted anywhere in Broomfield County due to this provision. It is an affirmative defense if you are engaged in lawful use of force in defense of a person or property. Additionally, coyote populations are extremely capable at rebounding and recolonizing vacant territories, and the suburban habitat provides plentiful sources of food and water. Removing one coyote will only allow another to take its place. Broomfield does work with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to remove coyotes that pose a direct threat to human safety. 

Q: Why can’t Colorado Parks And Wildlife just kill the coyotes that are killing our pets?

A: It can be difficult to accept, but some pets can be seen as a food source to coyotes and large dogs can be seen as a threat to their territory.  Unattended pets may be at risk.  Responsible pet ownership is key in reducing coyote conflicts.  Lethal control of coyotes preying on pets may be undertaken by landowners or city and county agencies.  State law allows landowners to take (kill) coyotes that are causing damage/conflicts on their land.  Be aware cities and counties may have more restrictive ordinances and laws.  CPW in the Denver area may intervene and attempt lethal action on coyotes posing a threat to human safety. For information on the state laws regarding personal property and pets, please contact CPW.

Q:  What CPW resources are available to help me and my neighbors?

A: Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has educational/outreach products such as informational brochures, posters, signs and other handouts available on their website. The local District Wildlife Manager may assist in their respective jurisdictions by meeting with Home Owners’ Associations and attending community meetings. CPW can provide interested parties and local governments with information on the use of hazing and other non-lethal methods for deterring coyotes. Volunteers may assist with educating the public by distributing information and helping at educational outreach events. CPW partners with local jurisdictions to protect human safety. Visit the CPW Coyote web page or contact CPW at 303-291-7227 if you want more information on how you can help disseminate coyote information in your neighborhood.