The Wheat Ridge Police Department has again cautioned the public about coyote activity in the area, this time after the death of a small dog last week.

According to a report from the police department, locals should be vigilant as high levels of coyote activity in the area persist. Pets and small children may be at risk.

The ‘likely coyote-related’ death of the small dog that took place last week follows at least two other dog deaths that were presumably coyote-related that took place in the Wheat Ridge area in recent months. Those deaths also prompted a warning from Wheat Ridge officials. Similarly, officials in Lafayette also urged caution after two dogs were attacked by coyotes in that city – also part of the Denver metro area – in recent weeks.

The coyote-related happenings taking place in both areas go to show that urbanization does not mean a space is free of wildlife-related risks. In the case of coyotes, small dogs and cats are often viewed as a source of prey, though larger dogs can be at risk of attack, too.

It’s been advised to keep dogs on-leash and within five feet, and also that pet owners should be scanning backyards prior to allowing dogs outside. Those with small dogs should go outside with their pet.

Coyotes can be described as “opportunistic hunters,” which typically involves a diverse diet that can include domestic animals. People should avoid contact with coyotes and discourage their presence by removing possible attractants like trash, fruit-bearing plants, and water sources, also working to haze coyotes away if they do appear. Loud noises can often do the trick.

Coyote attacks on humans are rare, but can occur. Smaller children have an elevated risk of attack, as do people who opt to put themselves within close proximity of coyotes (remember, coyotes might resemble dogs, but they’re a wild species that’s unpredictable and often aggressive). It’s also worth stressing that, as is the case with any wildlife in Colorado, people should not be feeding coyotes.

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