Coyotes: The Dangers and Misconceptions

With recent reports of  around Buckhead and elsewhere in metro Atlanta, many people may be left wondering what precautions need to be taken to ensure their safety, as well as the safety of their children and pets. Luckily, one Atlanta organization, AWARE (Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort), has provided tips, as well as surprising and little known facts and statistics about these "urban coyotes."

According to AWARE, coyotes now reside in every state and most neighborhoods from Cananda, all the way to South America. The destruction of their natural habitat has forced these wild animals to become urban dwellers. Coyotes would rather coexist than cause trouble, AWARE says, and reacting appropriately when they are spotted is the key to dealing with them.

Here now, are some coyote statistics provided by AWARE:

• Coyote attacks on humans average 14 per year, while dog attacks on humans equal 4.7 million per year
• Coyotes will occasionally take a free-roaming cat () if you don’t protect it as you would your dog. When it comes to dogs, however, coyotes would rather befriend them than fight.
• When a coyote passes within 30 feet of humans it is usually not considered an act of aggression.
• A group of coyotes is usually a family, not a pack.

Trapping should only be used as a last resort:

The vast majority of scientific studies conclude that trapping actually results in an overall increase in the coyote population in any given area. The remaining members of the species competitively over breed to fill the gap created by trapping. Sick, injured, or aggressive coyotes, however, should be trapped.

How to peacefully coexist with coyotes:

People should show they are the dominant speciies by frightening coyotes humanely. This can be done by yelling, waving your arms, or squirting it with a water hose.

Never feed your pets outside or leave them out after dark and never allow children to play outside unattended. Trash and compost should be maintained to eliminate food sources for the coyotes.

AWARE is a non-profit organization of volunteers working to preserve and restore wildlife through education and wildlife rehabilitation. They accept injured and orphaned wildlife every day of the year. The center is located approximately 30 minutes from Atlanta at 4158 Klondike Road, Lithonia, Ga.


Have you encountered any coyotes in Buckhead? Let us know in the comments below!