Blair has a coyote problem.
Police Chief Joe Lager said complaints began about a month ago after a person walking their dog near 25th and Nebraska streets reported a coyote approached and became aggressive toward the dog.
Another dog was reportedly killed and taken in Baronage Circle. There have been reported sightings in the Deerfield subdivision, and earlier this week, officers received reports of coyotes near the Blair Family YMCA.
“We're pretty sure they're running the creeks in town,” Lager said. “For whatever reason, they are more aggressive than a normal coyote that will normally run at the sight of humans.”
Sam Wilson, furbearer/carnivore program manager with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, said coyotes are more often seen in rural areas, but can be found in cities with suitable habitat such as creek beds, where they can hunt mice, voles, moles and other small animals.
“It's not uncommon for coyotes to be found on the edge of city limits or even in cities if there is good habitat,” he said.
Coyotes can be territorial toward dogs, Wilson said, particularly if they have pups.
“The best thing people can do is to keep their pets on leash. It keeps your pet within 6 feet,” he said.
But Lager is concerned for the public's safety.
“If they're coming into people's yards to attack dogs, what are they going to do to a toddler that might be running around?” he said.
Blair Animal Control Officer Brett Gunderson has set up traps in numerous locations without any success.
“Coyotes are very difficult to try to get into a trap,” Lager said.
Blair police are also working with a game warden from Dodge County to potentially euthanize some of the coyotes.
“Normally, we wouldn't even consider it ourselves,” Lager said. “But when they're coming into properties and while someone is walking a dog being aggressive toward them, you just never know.”
Lager was adamant that residents should not shoot coyotes in town. It is illegal to discharge a firearm within city limits, he said.
Wilson said coyotes have a home range that can be several square miles.
“Coyotes that may be at the edge of city likely are also using the habitat that runs out into the country that may be beyond city limits,” he said. “The same coyotes that are in town are also out of town and they can be harvested or hunted or trapped outside of town.”
BOB
