Coyote controversy in Denver

The controversy on coyotes has heated up in recent months in the Denver area, where coyotes have attacked not only pets but humans, as well. Coyotes have attacked two people in the Denver area since December. The suburb of Greenwood Village has reported nearly 200 coyote sightings in the past year, prompting the suburb to approve a plan to kill coyotes in parks, greenbelts and watersheds. The DOW does not prohibit municipalities from adopting control measures on coyotes. Most wildlife experts agree that the coyote numbers do appear to be on the rise. Because coyotes are so prevalent, the DOW does not make population estimates like they do on other predators such as mountain lions or black bears. Most wildlife experts place the conflict blame on people, not the coyotes. They say the coyotes are adaptable and are drawn into potential conflict with people who have moved into rural settings or live in the urban-rural interface. Also, urban and rural parks and open spaces also bring wildlife of all kinds and humans closer together. Add food sources such as pet food and pets, and you have a recipe for potential encounters...The Coloradoan