Coyotes

Coyote Attractants

The following list illustrates some of the attractants that draw coyotes close to people.

  • Outdoor pet food or water
  • Birdseed or food sources that attract small mammals
  • Accessible garbage or compost
  • Fallen fruit or berries from trees or shrubs
  • Shrubs, woodpiles, decks or any other structure that can provide cover or be used as a den
  • Dogs and cats allowed to roam free, and/or female dogs in heat

Discourage a Coyote’s Approach

It is unlawful to feed or intentionally attract coyotes in Jefferson County (Colorado Parks and Wildlife Regulation number 021). Report people feeding coyotes to Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 303-291-7227.

  • Be as big and loud as possible
  • Wave your arms, clap and throw objects at the coyote
  • Shout in a loud and authoritative voice
  • Do not run or turn your back on the coyote
  • Face the coyote and back away slowly

Teach Children

  • Never approach wild animals or dogs you don’t know!
  • If a coyote approaches you, wave your arms, stomp your feet and tell it loudly to go away!
  • Call for help
  • If the animal doesn’t leave, walk out of the area, keeping the animal in your sight.

Coyote Safety Videos

If You Encounter a Coyote

If a coyote attacks your pet, or if you have an unexpected encounter with a coyote in which the animal appears aggressive, please report the incident to Animal Control at 303-271-5070 or 303-277-0211 after normal business hours. You may also report the coyote behavior using the form below.

In the case of a coyote attack on a human, call 911. Notification will be made to Colorado Parks and Wildlife so that they can track and/or destroy the animal.

Coyote Behavior Tracking

Animal Control Officers track coyote observations, sightings, encounters, and pet attacks in unincorporated Jefferson County. The coyote behavior maps are interactive. You may search for specific locations for tracking data. 


Report Coyote Behavior

Co-existing with coyotes is possible through education and information sharing. Animal Control officers track coyote observations, sightings, encounters, and pet attacks. Reporting sightings and encounters allow us to monitor coyote behavior in unincorporated Jefferson County. All reports are anonymous. Your name and address will not appear on our coyote map. Report coyote behavior.

Protect Pets

Coyotes may view domestic pets as a food source and large dogs as a threat or possible mate. Coyotes have taken pets from backyards, open spaces, and even off the leash. Keep your pet current on vaccinations.

Cats

The only way to guarantee your cat’s safety is to keep it indoors. Outdoor cats also face potential death from cars, diseases, foxes, parasites, raccoons, dogs, and birds of prey, such as owls.

Dogs

  • Always supervise your pet outside, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Keep your dog on a short leash while recreating - avoid retractable leashes.
  • Do not allow your dog off-leash.
  • Do not allow your dog to play or interact with a coyote.
  • If possible, pick up your dog when coyotes are visible.
  • Avoid known or potential den sites and thick vegetation. Like domestic dogs, coyotes will defend their territory and their young.
  • If you must leave your dog outside, secure it in a fully enclosed kennel.

Information from Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Poster

Coyote Poster

Postcard

Coyote Postcard

Brochure

Coyote Conflict Brochure