BROOMFIELD — The recent killings of five coyotes was an unnecessary result of public officials succumbing to hysteria, critics of the decision told the Broomfield City Council on Tuesday.
The coyotes were shot after a man was bitten Feb. 23 while walking his dogs in the Westlake area.
Officers with the state Division of Wildlife tracked the coyotes to dens near Tom Frost Reservoir in Broomfield County Commons Park. Sharpshooters killed the pack after attempts to single out the culprit failed, area wildlife manager Larry Rogstad told the council.
Some residents complained the killings were indiscriminate and excessive.
“Since they didn’t know which one, they killed them all, and that should never happen,” Dottie Rawsky said. “I fear the Division of Wildlife took action to appease those irrationally screaming for action.”
The decision was motivated by a need to protect public safety by eliminating an unusually aggressive coyote, Rogstad said. It came after consultations with the Broomfield City and County Manager’s Office, the Open Space and Trails Division and the police.
“Lethal action seems to be the appropriate action when you have a truly aggressive coyote that attacks a human being,” Rogstad said.
Coyotes have bitten three people in Broomfield and Erie since December.
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