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Coyotes spotted on Buckley; protect self, family

By Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rau, 460th Space Wing Public Affairs / Published January 18, 2013

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BUCKLY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 460th Civil Engineering Squadron has received reports of coyote sightings on base and in the surrounding community.

It is important to be informed about coyotes in order to avoid an incident.

In this area, a coyote's pelt is usually grayish-brown or yellowish-gray, while the throat and belly tend to be white. Coyotes typically grow up to 3 feet in length, stand about 2 feet tall and weigh approximately 30 pounds.

Though coyotes are primarily active at night, they may also move around during the day. Coyotes tend to prefer fresh meat, but are often observed foraging in garbage bins for food. Their primary food sources in urban areas are human garbage and domestic pets. They are known to eat cats and small dogs, even if the pets are enclosed within a small fence.

Coyotes rarely attack humans but are becoming increasingly comfortable approaching populated areas. When fed by humans or not actively hazed, coyotes may become aggressive and confront people. In some cases, coyotes have chased joggers and stalked small children.

The main items that will lead coyotes into a person's backyard are open garbage, unsupervised pets or left-out pet food. If an individual does not give a coyote a reason to enter their property, the animal will usually leave that home alone and look elsewhere for food.

Heed the following tips to avoid an incident with coyotes:
  • Do not feed coyotes or other animals intentionally or unintentionally. Leaving out pet food and open rubbish containers will attract coyotes and coyotes' prey into your yard.
  • Leash and supervise your pets. Do not let cats roam the neighborhood. Coyotes are known to attack and eat domestic pets.
  • Haze coyotes whenever you see them, and do not stop until the coyote is completely out of sight. Shout loudly, commanding the coyote to go away, and make yourself as big as possible by waving your arms and stomping your feet. This will cause them to leave an area and be fearful of humans, possibly resulting in less confrontations and attacks.
  • Keep children near you and do not run from coyotes. Slowly walk toward populated areas while facing the animal. Throwing non-food objects near, not at, a coyote is a way to possibly scare the animal away.

Team Buckley members should to report coyote sightings immediately to the 460th CES Customer Service Section at (720) 847-9913.

Editor's Note: Information for this article was derived from Denver Parks and Recreation, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the Humane Society of the United States.
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