As suburbs grow, so do encounters with coyotes and other
wild animals. The Animal Protection Institute (API) is offering Public
Service Announcements and safety brochures with tips on how people can
avoid problems with coyotes, as a part of its HUMANE WAYS TO LIVE WITH
WILDLIFE campaign.
While incidents between coyotes and humans are rare,
coyotes are increasingly drawn to urban and suburban neighborhoods for
two reasons: human encroachment into native habitat and greater
availability of food.
"Despite attempts to control coyotes using lethal
methods, there are more coyotes in the United States than ever before,"
says Dena Jones, API program director. "Since most problems with coyotes
are due to human actions and behaviors, the situation is unlikely to
change significantly by targeting the animals. To prevent incidents,
people need only to take a few simple precautions."
API offers these tips for living with coyotes:
* Never feed or attempt to "tame" a coyote.
* Clear away bushes and dense weeds near your home where coyotes
can find cover and smaller animals to feed on.
* If followed by a coyote, make loud noises and make yourself look big.
If this fails, throw rocks in the coyote's direction.
* To protect companion animals, especially cats and small dogs, don't
let animals roam. Always use a leash when walking your dog.
Bring animals and their food in at night.
API has a variety of brochures and public service
announcements available on humane approaches to living with
wildlife--including coyotes, deer, geese and more general information.
Free copies of these materials may be obtained by calling 800-348-7387.
Spokespersons for news shows, print articles or interview programs are
also available.
ABOUT US: Founded in 1968, the Animal Protection
Institute is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating
for the humane treatment of animals.
www.api4animals.org
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