Living w/ urban coyotes.

[Lee Borgersen]

Wisconsin DNR 

MADISON, Wis.  -- State wildlife officials are urging city dwellers to develop plans for living with urban coyotes.

The Department of Natural Resources says coyotes are present across the state, from the north woods to inside Milwaukee's city limits. The agency says urban coyotes can become so comfortable around humans they'll follow them around, which could lead to attacks on pets.

The DNR suggests city dwellers refrain from leaving food outside for wildlife or pets and to secure the tops of garbage containers. They also shouldn't let their pets roam free.

Urbanites also should be alert at night and during the early morning hours when coyotes are most active as well as in February and March, the coyote's breeding season, when male coyotes are liable to attack dogs they see as competition.