Coyote Sightings Near Dorset

Dorset Neighbors,

There have been several sightings of coyotes around our neighborhood, Pope High School, and the CVS store near Shallowford Road. Please keep the following safety tips in mind in order to protect you and your family:

• Fear of humans is important for coyote survival.

• Don't feed other animals that coyotes prey upon. Birdseed often attracts these innocent animals to your backyard, which in turn attracts a coyote that is hungry.

• Although attacks on humans are extremely rare, parents need to speak to their children about what to do if they encounter a coyote.

• Coyotes are usually skittish around humans and typically try to avoid people whenever possible.

​Things you can do if you spot a coyote in your neighborhood or near your home:

• Frighten coyotes with loud noises.

• Keep garbage in a tightly sealed container.

• In your yard, remove pet food, fallen fruit, and spilled seed beneath bird feeders.

• Use yard lights or motion detectors to frighten them away.

• Keep pets in fenced areas or covered kennels.

• Stay with your pets while outdoors, unless pets are in a secure, covered kennel.

• Do not allow pets to run loose. Keep pets on a leash.

​If you encounter a coyote:

• Do not turn your back on a coyote or run away from a coyote.

• If approached, make loud noises and make yourself look big. If this fails, throw rocks or other objects.

• Always keep yourself between the coyote and small children.

​IF YOU SEE ANY COYOTES WHO ARE BEHAVING IN A WAY THAT MAKES YOU CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR SAFETY, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.