Hazing coyotes to ensure they keep their distance is the subject of a new video that was released by Public Health Madison & Dane County last Wednesday.
The three-minute clip, titled “How to Haze a Coyote’” teaches viewers how to haze, or scare, the coyotes away to make them feel uncomfortable in urban neighborhoods.
“Coyotes in urban areas are not a new problem, and this video gives some concrete solutions for how we can safely co-exist with them,” said John Hausbeck, PHMDC Animal Services supervisor, in a city press release.
The video comes as PHMDC has received reports of coyote attacks in Madison and Dane County. The UW-Madison Urban Canid Project, a crowd-sourced project that has tracked coyote and red fox sightings in Madison since January 2014, has reported over 40 coyote sightings this year.
“[Coyotes’] adaptability has allowed them to move into urban areas where they may be seen regularly,” said David Drake, extension wildlife specialist, in the video. “On occasion, changes in coyote behavior may mean a specific individual has gotten used to human presence. If this is happening in your community, action is necessary.”
According to the PHMDC website on coexisiting with coyotes, pet owners can use different tactics to protect their animals. Those tactics include scaring them by making noises and throwing things, cleaning up fruit and birdseed and not leaving small pets unattended outside.
“Coyotes can be re-educated and pet losses can be prevented if we make a few changes in our behavior and learn how to coexist with them as our urban neighbors,” the PHMDC page says.
To report a sick or injured coyote, call PHMDC Animal Services Dispatch at 608-255-2345. If a coyote is unresponsive to the hazing, call 608-267-1987.
