Coyotes Creep Into Madison Neighborhoods

MADISON, TN — A pack of coyotes has been spotted in a Madison neighborhood and residents are reporting pets have gone missing.

Residents of Madison's Montague neighborhood told NewsChannel 5 they first spotted the coyotes about a month ago. A week later, Pamela McInish's cat disappeared, she told the station.

Around 10 p.m. Tuesday night, Von Moye said he saw a group of at least six coyotes traipsing up the street. He told the station he followed them in his truck to a home that had a pair of puppies in a pen in the front yard. He said four of the coyotes surrounded the puppies' cage and were sniffing and prowling around it.

Coyotes are often a problem in urban areas like Nashville, due to the relatively large amount of wild space near the urban core.

"Many well meaning residents have promoted an unnatural boldness in coyotes by intentionally or unintentionally feeding them. This has encouraged coyotes to become accustomed to the sights, sounds, and scents of humans," the TWRA says. "In areas where they are hunted and trapped, coyotes are extremely wary of humans. However, in urban areas where they are less likely to be harmed and more likely to associate people with an easy and dependable source of food, they lose the fear of humans. Coyotes will come up on porches and decks if food is regularly present. Animals that have lost their natural fear of humans (associating humans with food) become dangerous to humans and that animal's lifespan is shortened."

Coyote attacks on humans are rare and are usually precipitated when a coyote attacks a pet and a human tries to intervene.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has tips on dealing with the predators:

• Do not feed coyotes!! When coyotes begin associating humans with food they loose their natural fears and may become dangerous.
• Eliminate water sources. These areas attract rodents, birds, and snakes which the coyote will prey upon.
• Position bird feeders so coyotes can not get to the feed. Coyotes may also be attracted to birds and small mammals that have been lured in by the feeder.
• Do not discard edible garbage. Coyotes are opportunistic and will eat any table scraps.
• Secure garbage containers. Use trash barrels with lids that clamp down tight even when tipped over.
• Do not place trash cans out the night before scheduled pick-up. Placing cans out in the morning before pick-up will give coyotes less time to scavenge. They will not have cover of darkness.
• Do not leave barbecue grill outside and uncovered. The smell of the grill and the contents of the grills drip pan attracts coyotes.
• Feed pets indoors whenever possible. Remove any leftovers if feeding outdoors. Store pet food in areas not accessible to other animals.
• Clear brush and weeds from around property. This deprives the coyote's prey (small mammals and birds) of protective cover and deters coyote from hunting around your property.
• A fenced yard may deter coyotes. The fence must be at least 6 feet high. Preferably the bottom of the fence should extend 6 inches below ground level.
• Do not leave small children outside alone if coyotes have been frequenting the area.
• Do not allow pets to run free. Provide secure housing especially at night. Small pets (cats, rabbits, small dogs) are favorite prey of coyotes.
• Discourage coyotes from frequenting your area. Harass them by throwing rocks, shouting, and making loud noises when one is seen.

Image via TWRA