Coyotes

Coyotes in Albuquerque

Coyotes are an important part of the natural ecosystem in the Albuquerque area, and do not distinguish between wild prey and unsupervised pets. The City of Albuquerque promotes conservation of native wildlife, and will only take steps to remove urban coyotes in extreme circumstances, where there is a clear indication that a threat to humans exist. Follow the guidance provided here to discourage coyotes from entering your yard or endangering pets.

Enjoy Albuquerque’s coyotes at a distance. Most coyote attacks and bites occur when people try to feed wild coyotes or treat them like domestic animals. The following are some steps you can take to reduce human/coyote conflict.

• Don't feed coyotes! Most incidents of coyotes biting or attacking humans result form feeding coyotes.
• Albuquerque is a dry climate. Eliminate any water sources coyotes may use.
• Place bird feeders in areas inaccessible to coyotes. Coyotes will not only eat the seed, but they are also attracted to the birds and small mammals that come to the feeders.
• Do not put garbage in areas accessible to coyotes. Keep garbage in secure containers, and do not move trash to the curb until the morning of your scheduled pickup day.
• Feed pets indoors if possible. If feeding outdoors, pick up any leftovers. Store pet food in areas inaccessible to coyotes.
• Do not allow small pets to run free. Keep pets indoors at night.
• Walk your pets on a leash. Avoid brushy or overgrown areas where coyotes may be hidden.
• Spay or neuter your dogs. Keep your pet's vaccinations current.
• Do not leave small children unattended in areas coyotes are known to frequent. Teach children that coyotes are not domestic dogs and should be observed from a distance. Tell children to tell an adult if they see a coyote.
• If you see coyotes in your area, discourage them from visiting. Scare them away by shouting, making loud noises, or throwing rocks.
• If a coyote approaches you do not run. Maintain eye contact and make yourself appear larger. Try to move to an area with more activity.
• Fencing may help keep coyotes from visiting your yard. A fence should be more than six feet high, with the bottom extending below the ground. Coyotes are excellent jumpers and diggers. Remember, no fence is necessarily coyote proof.

Aggressive Coyotes

Aggressive coyotes include animals that will not back down from human deterrence. These animals may stalk pets in yards, or approach humans despite attempts to scare them away.

To report an aggressive coyote, call 311 immediately.