Due to increased reports of concerns about coyotes in recent years, not only in Parker but across the Denver Metro region, the Town dedicated staff to research coyote issues and to convene with other regional agencies to share ideas on the topic. The result is an official coyote management plan that offers solutions the Town can implement to reduce fear and conflicts people may have with coyotes. It also prescribes our response when coyote activity could pose a safety risk to people.
Research has shown that coyotes are a fact of life in our area: they have adapted well to living in this environment and their numbers can not be impacted over the long-term by attempts to control or reduce their population. Under State regulation, coyotes can not be relocated to other areas. With that said, communities can safely coexist with coyotes if they are given the right tools.
The heart of the Town’s management plan is tracking coyote activity and helping educate people on how to safely coexist with wildlife. (The most crucial things to know are to NEVER feed or approach coyotes or unintentionally provide them food sources, to not leave pets unattended or off leash where coyotes can get to them and how to safely encourage coyotes to stay away from people through “hazing”). The Police Department’s Animal Services Division keeps records of when and where coyote activity is reported so we know where to focus our efforts.
In addition, the plan is also a guideline for the Town in the event that unsafe coyote activity is reported. As with any safety issue, citizens are encouraged to report coyote incidents immediately to the Police Department. Safety is the Town’s highest priority and reports of coyote activity will be immediately investigated and addressed according to the plan.
Visit the Town's Web site at www.parkeronline.org to review the Town's complete plan and the Division of Wildlife educational information.