Overview

Coyotes reside in virtually every urban area across the United States. They live in Manhattan, downtown Chicago and even Beverly Hills. It should come as no surprise with our wooded and natural areas that the City of Roswell has urban coyotes in our midst. Here, in Georgia, coyotes live in all 159 counties.

We understand the concern and frustration our residents sometimes experience when coyotes come onto their property. But it's important to note that most cities and counties, including the City of Roswell, do not remove coyotes on private property.

According to wildlife experts, the prevalence of coyotes and other wildlife in urban and suburban areas is an unavoidable part of human development. Trapping and removing/killing coyotes has not proven to be an effective or long-term answer for coyote removal. Coyotes are territorial and even if one family is removed, a new pack will move into the area and establish it as their territory.

As long as there is a ready food supply available, urban coyotes will be in our midst. However there are steps people can take to prevent coyote encounters. Please read the information below and watch the video for more detailed information on this subject.

Although the City of Roswell does not trap coyotes on private property, please call 911 if you or your neighbors feel a dangerous encounter is unavoidable. You may also consider contacting Fulton Co. Animal Control for additional information regarding non-emergency animal-related issues (404-613-0358).

Resources

• Coexisting with Coyotes Brochure
• Coexisting with Coyotes Video

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Coyote Prevention

There are things you can do to reduce the chance of human / coyote conflicts:

• Do not feed coyotes.
• Eliminate sources of water, particularly in dry climates.
• Position bird feeders so that coyotes can't get to the feed.
  • Coyotes are attracted by bread, table scraps, and even seed.
  • Coyotes may also be attracted by birds and rodents that come to the feeders.
• Do not discard edible garbage where coyotes can get to it.
• Secure garbage containers and eliminate garbage odors.
• Feed pets indoors whenever possible. Pick up any leftovers if feeding outdoors.
• Store pet and livestock feed where it is inaccessible to wildlife.
• Trim and clean, near ground level, any shrubbery that provides hiding cover for coyotes or prey.
• Fencing your yard could deter coyotes. The fence should be at least six feet high with the bottom extending at least six inches below the ground for best results.
• Do not leave small children unattended outside if coyotes have been frequenting the area.
• Do not allow pets to run free.
  • Follow Roswell’s leash laws.
  • Keep pets safely confined and provide secure nighttime housing for them.
  • Walk your dog on a leash and accompany your pet outside, especially at night.
  • Provide secure shelters for poultry, rabbits, and other vulnerable animals.
• Discourage coyotes from frequenting your area. If you start seeing coyotes around your home or property, chase them away by shouting, making loud noises, or throwing rocks.