COYOTES IMPERSONATING KINGS

Some furry, four-legged vermin are infiltrating the neighborhood, and they’re here to stay. After a spike in coyote sightings, neighbors have been blowing up the phones at 911 Wildlife, which humanely relocates encroaching wildlife. Coyotes are more prone to coming out during the daylight hours in winter, and they’re extra bold this year — trotting down the streets in the middle of day, taking naps in neighbors’ backyards and hanging out by runners on local trails. Wildlife expert Bonnie Bradshaw says humans might be to blame. “What’s happening is that the coyotes that have been living here for years are even more comfortable here because nobody challenges them,” Bradshaw says. “When people see a coyote in an urban environment lying in someone’s front yard in the middle of the day, they typically do one of two things: they run away or they pull out their phone and take pictures. That teaches the coyotes that they’re king.” Luckily, that can be reversed because coyotes naturally have a fear of people, she says. Neighbors simply need to trigger that fear. “All it takes is stepping towards the coyote, shouting and clapping your hands,” she says. “Pick up a rock or a stick and aim to hit. One of the most effective tools you can use — people think it’s a joke — is to carry a loaded super-soaker because those things will shoot 30 feet, and if you make physical contact, it changes their behavior.”

— Brittany Nunn

CRIME NUMBERS |

911

The number you shouldn’t call if you see a coyote. Seriously, there’s nothing they can do to help you.

214.368.5911

The number you should call if you want to set up a meeting with a wildlife expert to learn more about urban coyotes.