Denver Parks and Recreation is reminding citizens that this is the time of year when young, wild animals (coyotes, foxes) are leaving their dens and learning to hunt alongside their parents.
Unattended outdoor cats and small dogs are at higher risk because unlike a typical prey animal, they are not aware of potential dangers. Although attacks can happen at any time of the day, predatory animals typically hunt during the late night and early morning hours. Denver Parks and Recreation suggests keeping cats indoors, especially after dark. Other recommendations include:
- Keep outdoor pets safe in an enclosed kennel.
- Lock dog doors at night to keep animals inside.
- Before letting animals out after dark, turn on outdoor lights and visually inspect the yard for potential danger, accompany your pet outside.
- If you see a wild animal, aggressively chase it (or them) out of your yard before letting your pet out and stay with your pet.
Coyotes, foxes and owls are all ambush predators and may wait in yards, especially if your pet is let outside on a regular schedule. You can deter wild animals from hanging out in your yard by hazing them -- aggressively responding with noisemakers and yelling when they are spotted.
Other things to make yards less appealing include:
- making sure fences are maintained close to the ground,
- trimming thick vegetation so animals cannot hide underneath and
- removing potential food attractants such as bird seed, bird baths, pet food and water dishes.
If there are coyotes or foxes that don’t seem afraid of people, or other wildlife spotted in your neighborhood, residents are encouraged to communicate with neighbors so their pets are also protected.