HomeMy WebLinkAboutEPD_Coyotes2012
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Kaylin Martin, Communications Assistant
Phone 952-833-9537 • Fax 952-826-0389 • www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Residents Encouraged to Haze Coyotes
Edina, Minn., Dec. 12, 2012 – December marks the beginning of coyote mating and breeding season, which
means a change in their behavior. Due to the scarcity of food and the natural aggression coyotes possess this
time of year, residents are encouraged to take a few extra precautions to ensure the safety of family pets.
Make sure all garbage cans are secured and closed. This will also help to keep the raccoons out. More
importantly, never let pets outdoors unattended. This includes large dogs. Animal Control Officer Tim Hunter
warns that even large dogs can become a target of coyote aggression because they are seen as competition
for food.
“The most important things residents can do to keep their pets safe it to supervise time spent outdoors,” said
Hunter. “And if residents ever happen to see a coyote, they should do whatever they can to scare them
away.”
Hunter said hazing, a training method used to move an animal out of an area or discourage an undesirable
behavior or activity, has been proven successful in lowering coyote presence in other metropolitan areas and
he believes Edina can succeed as well.
To haze a coyote, residents are encouraged to make as much noise as possible by yelling, using whistles, air
horns and bells. Residents can also use projectiles such as sticks, small rocks, cans and tennis balls. If the
coyote doesn’t immediately leave, chase it away.
Mating season for coyotes typically ends in March. However, Hunter says it’s important for residents to
always keep an eye on their pets while outdoors, because coyotes are part of the wildlife in Edina year-round.
For more information, contact Hunter at 952-826-0494 or visit www.EdinaMN.gov/Police.
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