BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2024 AUGUST 13, TUESDAY) The howl of coyotes is becoming an increasingly common sound in Nebraska’s urban areas, from Blair to Omaha to Lincoln. As cities expand into once-rural landscapes, residents are finding themselves face-to-face with these adaptable predators, sparking concern and debate.
In Blair’s Southern Hills subdivision, resident Larry Hefling recently took to Facebook to warn neighbors: “We’ve started hearing coyotes at night – a lot of coyotes. Keep an eye on your dogs and children.” His post ignited a flurry of responses, highlighting the community’s mixed feelings about their wild neighbors.
The conversation in Blair comes on the heels of two coyote attacks on dogs in Northwest Omaha this March. Shari Strong, whose dog Zoey fell victim, described the frightening incident to KMTV: “A coyote had come into the yard and grabbed her by the neck and we got lucky he let her go.”
These recent events have brought urban coyotes into sharp focus, but experts say their presence isn’t new. Laura Stastny, executive director of Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, told WOWT in 2021 that while coyote populations have been increasing in urban areas, heightened awareness also plays a role. “People are paying attention a little more this year ’cause they’re still inside because of COVID and have time to look at security footage and to look out their window,” she explained.
Coyotes in Nebraska typically weigh between 30 to 45 pounds and are most active at dawn and dusk. While they primarily hunt small rodents, they’re opportunistic eaters, sometimes attracted to pet food, garbage, or small pets left unattended.
The January to April mating season can make coyotes more active and potentially more aggressive, as seen in the Omaha incidents. This seasonal behavior adds another layer of complexity to urban-wildlife interactions.
In the Blair Facebook thread, longtime resident Diane Staley offered a perspective of coexistence: “We never lost any animals to the coyotes. Don’t get me wrong, if you have a little dog or cat that has a tendency to wander, I would have doubts that it would make it back if it crossed into their territory alone.”
Others, like Brian Christensen, pointed to the root cause: “What did you expect was going to happen when you build on the ground they have been on for ages?”
While local incidents have raised concerns, organizations like Project Coyote advocate for a more nuanced approach to urban coyote management. This perspective emphasizes coexistence rather than conflict.
Project Coyote’s resources highlight that coyotes play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, even in urban environments. They help control rodent populations, which can reduce the spread of diseases and mitigate property damage.
The organization recommends “hazing” as an effective deterrent for coyotes becoming too comfortable around humans. This involves making loud noises, appearing large, and generally making the coyote uncomfortable without causing harm. As one Project Coyote fact sheet states, “Coyotes are generally shy and wary of humans. If you see a coyote, be big, loud, and bold.”
For pet owners, Project Coyote echoes local experts’ advice but adds emphasis on broader habitat management. They suggest removing food sources that might attract coyotes, such as fallen fruit, unsecured trash, and outdoor pet food. “By removing attractants, we can reduce negative human-wildlife interactions and promote coexistence,” their educational materials note.
The organization also stresses the importance of community-wide efforts. Individual actions are important, but consistent, neighborhood-wide practices can be more effective in managing coyote behavior in urban areas.
This approach aligns with Steve Beal’s earlier statement about learning to live with wildlife. As Nebraska communities continue to expand into previously wild areas, adopting these coexistence strategies could provide a sustainable long-term solution to urban wildlife challenges.
For pet owners, experts recommend constant supervision, especially at night. Jonnie Walton, an Elkhorn resident, shared her precautions with KMTV: “I personally with these guys at night I make sure that they’re on a slip harness for security so they don’t slip their collars because coyotes will lure a dog away, and then end up attacking them.”
Proper fencing is crucial. Steve Beal, Manager of Lincoln Animal Control, told KOLN, “Those underground electric fences are really good maybe for keeping your dog in, but of course, it doesn’t keep coyotes out.”
Despite these precautions, Beal emphasized to KOLN that complete eradication isn’t feasible: “If the public is looking for eradication of the coyotes, that’s likely not going to happen. We need to learn to live with this wildlife and be safe.”
As Nebraska’s urban areas continue to expand, the coyote conversation is likely to evolve. While attacks on humans are extremely rare, the safety of small pets remains a valid concern. By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, residents can work towards a balance between urban living and wildlife preservation.
