Coyotes Becoming Problematic In Springs Neighborhood
Residents of the Stratton Meadows area in Colorado Springs tell KRDO Newschannel 13 the coyotes in the area are making their presence known.
Lisa Jones said there is a coyote den believed to be located behind Vanguard School. She said these coyotes attacked a neighbor’s chihuahua Monday morning in the dog?s own yard.
?One of our neighbors heard the chihuahua screaming. She went after them and was making noises and got him to drop it. She picked it up and ran to another neighbor’s house and they jumped in the car and tried to get it to the vet, but it took its last breath in the car,? said Jones.
Jones also said the coyotes followed two ladies who were walking their dogs recently.
?They turned around, and both of [the coyotes] were sitting there waiting. Just waiting for an opportunity to get the littlest dog,? said Jones.
Over the weekend, the coyotes reportedly approached two young girls who were jumping on a trampoline. Jones said the girls were able to scare off the animals before they had a chance to attack.
?I have five kids; it?s pretty scary,? said Jones.
Many in the neighborhood said the proximity of the coyotes? den to the schools in the area have them particularly concerned.
The Division of Colorado Parks and Wildlife said there are dozens of dens in the Colorado Springs area, and said the coyotes have adapted to the urban development across the city.
Michael Seraphin, spokesperson for the Division of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, said there may be increased coyote activity because February is mating season.
?They?re not as shy, if you will. They?re not paying attention to other predators, i.e., humans,? said Seraphin.
Seraphin said if a coyote is in the area, people are supposed to make them feel uncomfortable. Seraphin recommends making a lot of noise and throwing items at the animal to scare them away.
