Law enforcement in the City of Wheat Ridge is warning its residents about heavy coyote activity that’s been observed in the area in recent weeks. Advice provided by officials related to that situation can also apply statewide, as Colorado’s coyote population is expansive.

As locals continue to encounter coyotes in the urban area, at least two deaths of small dogs have been blamed on coyote attacks – though authorities did note that other species, like bobcat, can’t be completely ruled out.

Most of the local activity has been reported along Clear Creek, between Wads and Kipling and near Crown Hill Open Space Park, according to Wheat Ridge Police Department Public Information Officer Alex Rose.

As a result of the coyote activity, residents have been urged to exercise extra caution with their pets, particularly those who own small dogs and cats. 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.

Wheat Ridge is located on the west side of the Denver metro area, with Arvada to its north and Lakewood to its south.

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