Feb. 25, 2009 — The Douglas County Sheriff's Office — which provides public safety services to the City of Castle Pines North — says it has received multiple calls in the past few weeks about coyote sightings and encounters in Douglas County. Please review these tips so you are prepared if a coyote wanders into your neighborhood.

If you spot a coyote near your home:

• Frighten coyotes with loud noises, yard lights or motion detectors.
• Keep garbage in a tightly sealed container.
• In your yard, remove pet food, fallen fruit and spilled seed beneath bird feeders.
• Stay with your pets when they are outdoors, unless pets are in a secured, covered kennel.
• Do not allow pets to run loose. Keep pets on a leash.

Coyotes are usually skittish around humans and typically try to avoid people. If you encounter a coyote:

• Never feed or attempt to tame a coyote.
• Do not turn your back or run from a coyote.
• Make loud noises and make yourself look big. If this fails, throw rocks or other objects.
• Always keep yourself between the coyote and small children.

Although attacks on people are extremely rare, parents need to speak to their children about what to do if they encounter a coyote. The Colorado Division of Wildlife also has an extensive Web site with detailed information about these wild animals.