"Too close to home:" Residents worry about aggressive coyotes roaming their neighborhoods

Residents worry about aggressive coyotes roaming their neighborhoods

WAUWATOSA -- Unusually aggressive. That's how wildlife officials describe coyotes recently spotted in some Milwaukee suburbs. In the past week, three dogs have been killed by coyotes in Wauwatosa. That city isn't the only one dealing with these problem animals.

"That is too close to home," said Randy Brunner, who lives in Wauwatosa. "I have two little jack Russell and I won't let them outside by themselves anymore."

Dianne Robinson, a Milwaukee County Wildlife Biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says coyotes have been creeping out of their normal habitat into residential areas.

"They are traveling around and expanding their territories a little bit and being comfortable with people. Gives them more territory to roam," said Robinson.

Roaming near small animals and homes, pictures were taken by a River Hills resident who says lately, coyotes are frequenting his backyard. In his case, he says a few turkeys from his yard were mauled. Many folks are now questioning why the animals are so confrontational.

"It could be a variety of situations. It could be that we have, could be a pack of coyotes maybe protecting their territory or protecting their food source in the area," said Robinson. "Could be that these coyotes are going for those pets because they are the same size prey sources unfortunately."

The DNR is working on a plan to remove the problem coyotes from several areas.

Robinson is attending a village meeting in River Hills on Wednesday, September 16th to discuss a possible management plan. She says that because coyotes are getting more comfortable with people in urban environments, the best thing you can do to scare them away is be loud and use big motions. Of course, anyone is encouraged to report the location of any coyotes so officials can scout them out.