JEFFERSON COUNTY — An increasing number of metro area coyote encounters — from sightings to attacks on people — drew several hundred local officials today to a state wildlife symposium on how best to deal with the predators.
“A collaborative approach is essential,” said Steve Yamashita, northeastern Colorado regional manager with the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Yamashita said the DOW is investigating the feasibility of a centralized tracking system for reports on coyote conflicts.
The system could help pinpoint “hot spots” so problem coyotes could be targeted. Currently, the DOW does not intervene unless a a coyote attacks a person.
Several recent publicized attacks have led to greater concern about coyotes.
In January, a woman in Broomfield was bitten on the arm while playing Frisbee with her dog, and a 14-year-old Greenwood Village boy fended off a coyote but was not injured.
Last week, Greenwood Village approved limited shooting of coyotes in parks, greenbelts and trails.
“We don’t want to kill all of them or thin them,” said police chief Donnie Perry. “But we may have to shoot or kill some of the coyotes.”
DOW urged communities to develop their own coyote management plans, with public education as a top priority.
Efforts should emphasize how to prevent conflicts between humans, their pets and coyotes, said Eliza Hunholz, a DOW area wildlife manager.
“The new reality in the Denver area is people can’t leave their pets unattended,” Hunholz said. “It is a difficult sell, it’s inconvenient and a big change, but that’s the new reality.”
Ann Schrader: 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
