Coyote & Wildlife Reporting

Human Contact

Until a Wildlife Management Plan program can be established it is important for residents to understand that coyotes are not normally comfortable around humans. In most cases, coyotes will only approach humans that the have previously encountered and have determined not to be a threat. Coyotes will normally only be in close proximity to humans if there is a viable food source close by. As a general rule, the only thing necessary for a human to do in order to ensure their encounter with a coyote, or a coyote pack, is brief is to make a lot of noise and movement in order to scare the coyote. This almost always works and is considered the industry standard preventative method.

Should this not work, a citizen should call Animal Care & Control or if in imminent danger, call 911.

In most cases a coyote will not approach a human unless that human has a food source. Pets are definitely considered a source of food for urban coyotes, as their natural food soruces are limited in populated areas. Citizens who live close to parks, fields, golf courses or any other area with open, uninhabited areas close by, should be aware that wildlife does exist in those areas and pets should not be unattended, even in fences yards.

Pet Contact

All pets are required to be on a leash, including cats, unless they are contained in a fenced yard and residents should be aware that when walking a pet on a leash in a wooded area, or close to any possible wildlife habitat, there is a danger of being approached by various forms of wildlife seeking food. Normally humans are not in danger when this occurs and should therefore be animated and vocal in trying to scare the predator away. Keep in mind that your pet you are holding is what the predator considers to be a food source and an attack on the food source is possible. There is nothing that Animal Care & Control can do to eliminate this threat. There are unfortunately no perfect solutions to coexisting with wildlife, so each resident should be aware of the potential threat of wildlife. Should a citizen have a wildlife sighting and have questions about what they should do, Mansfield Animal Care & Control should be able to answer any questions.