Coyotes

About coyotes
Coyotes are common in rural and urban areas throughout Douglas County. They tend to travel and hunt alone, or in pairs, but they can form groups where food is abundant. That’s why there has been an increase in coyote sightings in urban areas throughout the County.

Coyotes are curious, clever and adaptable. They quickly learn to take advantage of any newly discovered food source and are often attracted to yards with abundant fruit and wildlife to eat. They will eat pet food and knock over unsecured garbage cans, or may walk along the tops of walls and fences around homes in search of unattended dogs and cats.

Around humans, coyotes are usually skittish; they typically try to avoid people whenever possible. Attacks on humans are extremely rare. Still, Castle Rock is home to these animals, and it is important to know what to do if you encounter a coyote. Learn more about coyotes.

Encounters
If you encounter a coyote:
  • Make loud noises, or use yard lights or motion detectors to frighten it away
  • Never feed or attempt to tame a coyote
  • Do not turn your back or run
  • Always keep yourself between the coyote and small children
Prevention
To prevent encounters:
  • Keep garbage in a tightly sealed container
  • In your yard, remove pet food, fallen fruit and spilled seed beneath bird feeders
  • Keep pets in fenced areas or covered kennels; keep cats indoors
  • Stay with your pet outdoors unless pets are in a secured, covered kennel
  • Do not allow pets to run loose
  • Trim vegetation and mow tall grass; remove or thin brush and rubbage piles so as to eliminate cover for coyotes and their prey
  • Completely enclose gardens and compost piles with fencing
Who to contact
Call 911 if a coyote (or any other wild animal) is presenting an immediate threat. Call Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 303-291-7227, if severe property damage has occurred or if a live coyote is trapped in your yard, garage or outbuilding.