Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is actively alerting residents and visitors in the Colorado Springs area to be extra cautious during the coyote denning season. This comes on the heels of a pair of dog attacks by coyotes, with both incidents taking place while the dogs were right next to their owners on 6-foot leashes. One such encounter happened near Palmer Park, and the other one at Rockrimmon Open Space.
According to CPW, denning months for coyotes typically span from February through June, prime time for raising their pups and when adult coyotes can get particularly protective if they perceive a threat. Residents are encouraged to keep their pets leashed and to be vigilant during walks, especially during the night, or to use fully enclosed kennels. When encountering a coyote, space is your friend; aggression from our canine neighbors is flagged by telltale signs like raised hackles, bared teeth, and growls.
Now, should a coyote start showing its teeth or acting hostile, remember this: Do not play the role of prey. Running is a no-go, not to mention turning your back. CPW advises you to make yourself big, be loud, and authoritative; think shouting, arm waving, hand clapping, and tossing objects not at, but in the direction of these wild animals. "If the coyote does not leave the area, face the coyote and slowly back away," as per CPW. These critters may be part of the urban landscape, but aggressive behavior towards people needs to be reported to CPW pronto.
