The city has received reports of coyote sightings. Coyotes are not a threat to humans. According to the Department of Natural Resources, there has never been a documented case of a human attacked by a coyote in Minnesota.
However, coyotes are wild animals and should be treated as such.
Coyotes hunt rabbits, rodents, birds, frogs, snakes and squirrels. If food is difficult to find, they feed on berries, fruit, grass and dead animals.
As coyotes move into populated areas, they may adapt to preying on small dogs and cats when natural food supplies are scarce. They also scavenge garbage.
Coyotes may be seen more often in spring, during mating season. They resemble a small German Shepherd Dog and weigh between 25-35 pounds. Coyotes are generally wary of people in urban and suburban areas, but they associate people with an easy source of food.
Roseville Police encourage residents to take precautions if they are concerned about coyotes and pet safety.
- Do not intentionally feed coyotes.
- Do not leave pet food or garbage outside.
- Do not leave pets outside and unattended for long periods of time.
- Keep your pet leashed when walking in recreational areas.
- Position bird feeders so coyotes can’t feed on them. They are attracted to the seed and the birds feeding there.
- Trim and clean shrubbery to reduce cover or hiding places for coyotes.
- If you see coyotes near your property, discourage them by shouting, making loud noises or chasing them away.
Roseville Police created a coyote video with information about ways to discourage coyotes from coming onto one’s property. Watch it at www.cityofroseville.com/coyote. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources also offers suggestions to discourage coyotes from your neighborhood. Get information at www.dnr.state.mn.us/livingwith_wildlife or call 651-296-6157.