Coyotes in Lakeville

There have been numerous coyote sightings in the City of Lakeville. The Lakeville Police Department wants residents to know that police are unable to assist with wildlife removal or management, including coyotes, unless the animal is acting aggressively towards people or is acting sick.

Residents are advised to practice "hazing"—a controlled harassing of coyotes that teaches them that humans are a threat and should be avoided. Hazing involves making loud noises, such as banging on pots and pans or yelling, when coyotes are near. It's the best preventative measure to keep the animals away.

Coyotes lose their natural fear of humans over three generations. As pups watch the adults, they learn how close they can get to houses and people and then try to move closer than their parents.

Here are some additional facts about coyotes that research has discovered: 

  • The coyote population is virtually impossible to reduce or control. We just have to learn to live with them.
  • Coyotes work on the “Alpha” male system for reproduction.
  • If the Alpha male is trapped or killed, several other males will move into the area and try to claim dominance.
  • While doing this, they impregnate several females and the population increases. 
  • If the population becomes stressed, younger females breed and create even more pups.
  • Coyotes do not run in a straight line, making it very difficult to shoot; shooting in an urban area is not an acceptable risk.
  • Trapping coyotes is not an easy task, often fails and does nothing to stop the population.

While coyotes have not been known to bite or attack humans, they will prey on domestic cats or small dogs. Residents should monitor pets while they are outside, even if coyotes haven't previously been sighted.

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