The Prince William County Police Department’s Animal Control Bureau is advising residents to take precautions to avoid problems with the county’s coyote population. Coyotes have been living in Prince William County for several years and generally are not a danger to humans unless the animals are sick, injured or threatened. Dog owners are reminded to keep their dogs on the leash at all times when they are off of the owner’s property and to stay on established trails in park areas to avoid areas where dens may be located.

If a person is approached by a coyote, making a lot of noise (clapping, yelling and stomping feet) typically will scare off the coyote. It is important to remember they approach humans (and pets with humans) only under unusual circumstances.

More information about dealing with coyotes and other wildlife is available on the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website at http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/ wildlife/problems/coyotes/.

Coyotes will eat cats, small dogs and other small pets. Coyotes do most of their hunting at night. Therefore, owners of dogs, cats and small pets should not leave these pets outdoors unattended, especially at night. Residents can help discourage coyotes from coming on their property by not leaving pet food outdoors, including bird feeders, and by securing all household trash.

If a coyote appears to be sick, injured or acting aggressively, contact Animal Control through the non-emergency dispatch number at (703)792-6500. 

 

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