Coyotes Attack Small Dogs In Arvada: Police

ARVADA, CO – Arvada Police's Animal Management department reported three small dogs were attacked by a coyote on Wednesday.

"This is not uncommon this time of year or for the area," Arvada police said in a statement. The incidents happened along the canal near 84th Avenue and Quay Drive, police said.

Coyotes are emboldened in the late fall and early winter, and can go after unaccompanied pets, or attack humans, although direct attacks on people are rare. That's because they're selecting mates and establishing their territories where they'll raise pups in the spring, according to the Denver Metro Coyote Behavior Study group.

Owners of smaller animals should be aware of the habitat around their homes and understand this may attract predators such as coyotes, foxes and even birds of prey, police said. There have been no reports in Arvada of coyote and human interactions.

Arvada Police offered these tips for keeping coyotes away:

• Always haze animals like coyotes to maintain their fear of humans. Yell and throw things so they leave your presence.
• Keep dogs leashed when off your property. Monitor pets (especially small ones) when outside, especially at dawn/dusk/overnight.
• Remove attractants in your yard like pet food, fallen fruit, standing water, and consider removing bird feeders if you are seeing heavy wildlife activity.
• Trim bushes and trees away from the ground to reduce cover for wildlife to hide.
• Ensure pets are vaccinated at least for rabies. Report aggressive, sick, or injured animals to Arvada police for animal management to assess- 720-898-6900 #1.

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