After More Reports of Coyote Attacks, DNR Says to Supervise Pets

Small pets are falling prey to coyote attacks in metro area backyards.

While Richfield hasn't reported any attacks recently, Edina resident Natalie Ann recently told Patch readers to be aware of "fence-jumping" coyotes after her cat was killed by one last week. In addition, Eagan resident Kris Muyskens spoke with CBS Minnesota last week about her dog's brush with a coyote, and her neighbor's dog falling victim to one.

Richfield residents have also been plotting their sightings on a Patch interactive map since last year. Many sightings have been near wooded areas such as Wood Lake Nature Center and Veterans Memorial Park.

According to CBS Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says the city coyote problem stems from residents not being able to hunt and trap them, like residents can in rural areas:

“You’re not gonna be able to erect a fence or anything that’s gonna keep them out, they’re smart,” said Cpt. Greg Salo with the DNR. ...

“It’s posing a huge problem for all the metro suburbs,” Salo said. “Even Minneapolis and St. Paul are having problems with coyotes.”

According to the DNR, healthy wild coyotes avoid people, and no attacks have ever occurred in Minnesota. However, attacks by urban coyotes have been reported in other states.

The DNR also says coyotes are very opportunistic, and residents should not leave pets unattended outside or feed the coyotes. Residents should also secure all garbage containers, wildlife feeders and other food sources, and vaccinate pets for rabies, distemper, parvo and other diseases. 

The DNR also said hazing or screaming at coyotes that don't run when people are present will likely scare them off. However, that does not mean they are permanently gone from the area, according to the CBS Minnesota report.

Related articles on Richfield Patch:

• INTERACTIVE MAP: Where Are The Coyotes In Richfield?
• Coyotes Find a New Home in Wood Lake Nature Center