After More Reports of Coyote Attacks, DNR Says to Supervise Pets

Small pets are falling prey to coyote attacks in metro area backyards.

This is a familiar story for some Eagan residents, according to a recent CBS Minnesota article. Kris Muyskens' dog, Kaya, was charged by a family of coyotes living in the woods near her Eagan home. Thankfully, Muysken's husband was able to intercept, however, their neighbor’s schnauzer wasn’t so lucky, the article said.

According to CBS Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says the city coyote problem stems from residents not being able to hunt and trap them, like residents can in rural areas:

“You’re not gonna be able to erect a fence or anything that’s gonna keep them out, they’re smart,” said Cpt. Greg Salo with the DNR. ...

“It’s posing a huge problem for all the metro suburbs,” Salo said. “Even Minneapolis and St. Paul are having problems with coyotes.”

According to the DNR, healthy wild coyotes avoid people, and no attacks have ever occurred in Minnesota. However, attacks by urban coyotes have been reported in other states.

The DNR also says coyotes are very opportunistic, and residents should not leave pets unattended outside or feed the coyotes. Residents should also secure all garbage containers, wildlife feeders and other food sources, and vaccinate pets for rabies, distemper, parvo and other diseases. 

The DNR also said hazing or screaming at coyotes that don't run when people are present will likely scare them off. However, that does not mean they are permanently gone from the area, according to the CBS Minnesota report.

Related articles on Eagan Patch:

• Eagan City Officials to Host "Coyote Seminar"
• Living with Coyotes in Eagan
• Dog Killed in Reported Coyote Attack
• Eagan's First Coyote Seminar Draws Concerned Crowd