News Flash

“Most of the calls we receive related to coyotes are in the spring,” said Kirk Lindahl, Roseville Police Department’s Lead Community Service Officer. “This is when their pups are born and the adults travel further from their dens to find food.”  

Geoff Miller, a Ph.D. researcher in the University of Minnesota’s Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior program and also a researcher for the Twin Cities Coyote and Fox Project (TCCFP), believes that “coyotes are here to stay.”  

Studies show that trapping, hunting, or relocating coyotes fail to yield long-term results. Coyotes counter these efforts by having larger litters with a higher proportion of female pups. New coyotes inevitably move in from the surrounding areas and the population rebounds quickly.  

Instead of looking to reduce coyote numbers, Miller suggests that hazing coyotes, by making noise, raising arms, and yelling at the coyotes, is a more effective solution.  

The Roseville Police Department does not respond to calls regarding wild animals behaving normally in outdoor spaces. The department will respond to animals behaving dangerously.  

Here are a few tips to living with suburban coyotes: 

• Secure garbage and other potential food sources. Do not leave pet food outside.  
• Clean up under bird feeders and fruit trees. (Birdseed attracts mice and other rodents which attracts coyotes). 
• Supervise pets (especially smaller pets) when they are outside (even in a fenced area).  
• Follow leash laws.  
• Haze coyotes that appear fearless by making noise, waving arms to appear bigger, and throw things at or near them.  

Report aggressive or dangerous coyote interactions to the Roseville Police non-emergency line (651)767-0640 or call Lead Community Service Officer Kirk Lindahl (651)792-7264. 

In 2015, the Roseville Police Department hosted its first Coyote Clinic to educate residents and to address any concerns. Visit https://www.cityofroseville.com/2814/Urban-Coyotes to learn more and watch the presentation.