Coyotes And Wildlife Close Broomfield Open Space Trail

BROOMFIELD, CO – There's something wild going on at Ellie's Pond in Broomfield's Open Space at The Field, and the Open Space agency wants you to keep away from it.

The concrete trail next to the pond was temporarily closed this week (see map) because of possible human interactions with wildlife, Broomfield Open Space announced. You can still travel along paths to the south and east of the pond, the agency said.

Related: Coyotes More Active Now In Broomfield and Front Range

The city and the Open Space agency have a Coexist with Wildlife policy, that aims to protect public safety while also protects wildlife from being driven out of the area by human interaction.

Some of the rules of the policy include:

•  Do not feed wildlife. Feeding songbirds is fine, but be aware that the fallen birdseed may attract other animals. Place bird feeders where they are not accessible to other wildlife species.
• Observe prairie dogs in the open space but do not walk among the burrows and keep your pet on a short leash (no longer than 6 feet) to avoid any public health or safety concerns regarding prairie dogs.
• Always keep dogs on leashes in Broomfield Open Space.

Lots of wildlife species that inhabit Broomfield's more than 7,800 acres of open lands include coyotes, deer, red fox, prairie dogs, badgers, rabbits, raccoons, skunks, muskrats, snakes, Canada geese, insects, beaver and squirrels, the Open Space agency said.

If you see a coyote on Open Space land, the city offers the following tips:

- Stop! Do not run. If you run, the coyote may chase.
- Pick up small dogs and children, if possible.
- Make yourself look as big as possible.
- Shout, wave your arms over your head, or throw rocks/sticks.
- Back away slowly if the coyote does not retreat.
- Keep all dogs on a short (less than 6 ft) leash.

For general information or concerns about coyotes, please call: Colorado Parks and Wildlife 303.291.7227 (This office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Beyond these hours, calls will be forwarded to the Colorado State Patrol only if the concern is an emergency.)

To report a coyote emergency where there has been an attack on a human, please call: Broomfield Police Department at 911

To report the loss of a pet to a coyote, please call: Colorado Parks and Wildlife 303.291.7227

If the pet was attacked while on leash, you may also call the Broomfield Police Department Animal Control at 303.438.6400.

Below is a map that shows the trail area that is closed.

Image via paultessier/Shutterstock