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These stories serve as a reminder to Denver pet parents: protect your pets from neighborhood predators like coyotes and hawks. And if you’re hiking outside of town, keep in mind that mountain lions, though less common, are also a potential threat.
Overall, seeing a coyote or hawk is not an immediate emergency. In most cases, the animal will move on if ignored. However, if wildlife approaches your pet, step between the predator and your dog or cat. Make yourself as big as possible, make noise, and throw objects if necessary.
Goodheart has these 6 tips for you as we kick off the new year.
Keep your pet safe with these 6 tips:
- Supervise outdoor time when its dark
- Secure Your Yard
- Don’t leave pet (or human) food outside
- Use noisemakers, music and lights as a wildlife deterrent
- Bring a whistle on your walks or use an air horn on hikes.
- Craft lovers can enjoy this DIY option: make a shaker using rice and a can.
- Or just clap your hands.
- Report predator sightings
- The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) monitors and manages predator activity. Call them at 303.291.7227.
- The Denver Parks and Recreation has a Wildlife Hotline at 720.913.0630 for reporting urban wildlife concerns.
- Scare away the predator with loud noises so you can get to your pet.
- Seek help if your pet is injured: Call Goodheart or visit the emergency vet after hours.
- Report the incident: Report the incident to local wildlife services. They track predator activity and take necessary actions to protect the community.
- While attacks are unlikely, strengthen your safety measures to prevent future incidents if your pet falls prey to a coyote, hawk, or other predator.
These common neighborhood predators are most active at dawn, dusk, and after dark. Stay near your pets. Or leash them for the day’s last potty break.
“Lights can be helpful” in the backyard, adds Dr Spencer.
Don’t assume a fence will keep a coyote or other wildlife out of your backyard. You can also install coyote rollers at the top of your fence.
Trim shrubs and weeds along your fence line to limit hiding spots for predators.
Consider using covered outdoor play areas for smaller pets (like catios for cats) or hang netting above grassy areas to protect dogs from hawks.
“Make sure that your pet’s food, flavored toys, treats, (and) bones are not stored outside to avoid attracting predators,” says Dr Spencer.
Lock your trash cans with a clamp or bungee cord.
And never feed wildlife. Aside from honeybees and birds, it’s illegal to feed wildlife and big game animals in Colorado.
“Make noise to startle the animal if you happen to see one,” says Dr Spencer.
You can also install motion-sensor lights outside your home to help deter nocturnal predators.
“Most of the time, these predators don’t want to be near you and your pet,” says Dr Spencer. “They’ll mostly run away. But having that additional noise can help.”
Let local wildlife services know about predators spotted in your neighborhood. They want to monitor and manage activity.
Public sightings are crucial for the efforts of these two organizations:
Please call us with questions. We’re always happy to talk. You can also schedule your appointment through our online booking tool. Goodheart is here for you 24/7. We aim to keep your pet safe and by your side for years to come!
Protect your pet. Understand wildlife habits:
Coyotes are both urban and rural: They live and hunt in undeveloped lots, parks, neighborhoods, and commercial areas. They are generally fearful of humans but may see small pets as prey. Coyotes are most active in the dark. Report coyote sightings and attacks to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) at 303.291.7227.
Hawks: Hawks are common wildlife predators in Denver, known for hunting during the day and posing a threat to small pets left unsupervised outdoors.
Mountain lions: They are most active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours. Keep pets close and secure when in their territory: rural or mountainous areas.