Wildlife

Today we are in the grips of a resurgence of coyotes in the urban area, including St. Louis Park. Inevitably when larger animals (think deer 30 years ago) increase their populations in densely populated areas, conflicts with humans arise. Unfortunately the coyote is no exception.

Coyotes will sometimes approach humans when a dog is present, particularly during the mating season, which runs from January through March (dogs of any weight, shape and size serve as threats to mating male coyotes). 

Extensive studies show that coexistence is the only effective relationship for humans and urban coyotes and one of the best ways to coexist with coyotes is to prevent conflicts with them. Do not let them get accustomed to you or your neigbhorhood; habituation of humans and our surroundings creates coyote conflicts!

Another way to coexist with coyotes is through hazing. Hazing is a method that makes use of deterrents to move an animal of an area or discourage undesirable behavior or activity.

Some things to keep in mind about coyotes:

• Coyotes will sometimes approach humans when a dog is present, particularly during the mating season, which runs from January through March (dogs of any weight, shape and size serve as threats to mating male coyotes)
• Extensive studies show that coexistence is the only effective relationship for humans and urban coyotes and one of the best ways to coexist with coyotes is to prevent conflicts with them.
• Do not let them get accustomed to you or your neighborhood; habituation of humans and our surroundings creates coyote conflicts

Examples of hazing include:

• Yelling and waving your arms while approaching the coyote
• Noisemakers: Voice, whistles, air horns, bells, soda cans filled with pennies or rocks, pots and pans banged together
• Projectiles: sticks, small rocks, cans, tennis balls, rubber balls
• Other: hoses, water guns with vinegar water, spray bottles with vinegar water, pepper spray, bear repellant, walking sticks

 To print and display a flyer with the above information, click here.