Other than the wolf that is sadly disappearing, no animal that unfortunately has to co-exist with humans is more graceful, full of mystique and poetry in motion than a coyote. Regretfully as with the rattlesnakes their homes are being invaded by God awful looking developments with equally if not more so God awful looking cookie cutter homes. This leaves the coyotes trapped in an urban environment of which they would rather not be in. As with any wild animal, if there is an attack on a human, which is rare, the first reaction of the humans is to kill rather than trap and relocate. As with the wolf, coyotes are revered in many cultures, in the Native American culture they are known as God’s dog.

Whether you frequent off leash state park areas or even the middle of the suburbs you will run into coyotes. There are a number at Cherry Creek State Park, off Quincy Avenue in Cherry Hills on the Highline Canal and various other places. When at Cherry Creek off leash dog area many people think they are cute, which they are or more often than not when warned about sightings respond with, “my dog can take on a coyote”. WRONG! Coyotes kill dogs and cats.

The nickname of Wiley did not just come about with the cartoon Wiley Coyote, there is a reason, a reason that would put military around the world to shame. Animals have been around much longer than humans and have learned to adapt in a fashion humans could never attempt to achieve. Animals are the consummate hunters using ploys, scouts and ambush to a science. Coyotes and wolfs are masters of illusion and deception. If horses and deer fear coyotes, people with pets should follow that example. Coyotes are extremely territorially and mate for life. Below is Coyote/Dog etiquette.

Always keep you leash with you! A pet has no idea that a coyote is not a playful dog and no matter how well trained your pet is, as with a rattlesnake they are going to want to find out what that “new” animal is. When you see a coyote, immediately put your pet on a leash.

Do not let your pet chase a coyote. Below is not a very calm coyote when approached by this Airdale Terrier, nor a very smart person who allowed it. Although coyotes in some places are solitary most travel in packs of 2 or more. Coyotes are very territorial and use scouts or dummies as ambush. While you and your pet are thinking, it’s only just one, that one coyote is usually used as bait to lure the pet closer, while the others are waiting where you cannot see them. Equally, they carry all types of illness that you do not want your pet to get such as mange, heartworm, distemper and possibly rabies.

Outsize a coyote by make yourself look larger than you are. Extend your arms out to the side, yell with a harsh voice. If there is something handy, throw it in the direction of the coyote, (not directly at them).

Be mindful, not mindless. Many pets disappear at Cherry Creek never to be found again mostly because most people pay no attention to their surroundings. When you are out at an off leash area such as Cherry Creek, people are yakking on the phone, talking to others and have no idea where their dog is. Unfortunately the last thing they are doing is being responsible by paying attention to their pet sometimes being half a mile away, then stopping and asking where is my dog. Always keep your pet within visual and vocal distance. If you cannot run to them in 10 strides, the dog is too far away from you. Always look ahead of you, behind and to either side. Coyotes do not announce their presence with, excuse me, do you mind if I sneak up on your blind side?

Never, ever if you see pups let your pet or yourself go near them, mom and dad are not far away and will defend them to the death.

How do you tell from a distance the difference between a coyote and just another dog running in the park?

As with humans, dogs have an upward bop or bounce when walking. If you stand under a piece of plywood above your head you will not hit your head. As soon as you take a step your body lifts upwards and you will knock your head on that piece of plywood just as a dog would.

Coyotes when walking or running look as if they are floating on air in one sleek, smooth flat motion as pictured below. There is rarely a bop or bounce. Many times their heads are not up but level with their backs when moving and tails are not upright. You cannot bank on behaviour or the colour and markings since many look almost like mixed mutts.

Last but not least, please respect their home since they were here first. They are beautiful beings that have a very important place in the ecosystem and have just as much right to be here, if not moreso than humans.