MONROE - Coyotes have been spotted in Monroe, Police Chief Fred Kelley said, in a press release Tuesday.
Kelley said the animals have been seen on Monroe's north side, mainly in the Twining Park area.
"Usually the sighting is of a single coyote, and sometimes at a relatively close distance," Kelley said.
Steve Johnston of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said coyotes sometimes congregate in packs, but it's just as common to see them individually.
"There is no danger to humans, even small children, unless a coyote is cornered in some manner," Kelley said.
People should watch out for any small pets, even cats and dogs, he said.
Johnston said coyotes are "extremely wary and secretive" and avoid confrontations with people. He said there haven't been any reports of pets injured or killed by coyotes in the area.
Mike Foy, DNR wildlife specialist, said coyotes have started to wander into populated areas.
What brings them to populated areas is easy food, Johnston said.
"Like any animal, they'll go for an easy meal," he said. "With people around, there's usually a lot of food available."
According to the DNR's Web site, coyotes are both scavengers and predators. They hunt rodents, rabbits and squirrels.
Coyotes are about the size of a medium-sized dog, the Web site said. An adult male can be between 44 and 52 inches long, including its 14-inch tail. They can weigh between 25 and 42 pounds.
Johnston said coyotes are sometimes confused for feral dogs.
According to the DNR, coyotes range in color from dull yellow to gray. They have long, thin legs, a tapered muzzle and large, pointed ears.
To deter coyotes, Kelley suggested people use bright backyard lights, especially the kinds of lights that come on due to movement. If a person sees a coyote while walking, Kelley suggested they make loud noises or clap their hands.
"Trying not to approach them and leaving them alone is the best practice," he said.
Kelley said the animals have been seen on Monroe's north side, mainly in the Twining Park area.
"Usually the sighting is of a single coyote, and sometimes at a relatively close distance," Kelley said.
Steve Johnston of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said coyotes sometimes congregate in packs, but it's just as common to see them individually.
"There is no danger to humans, even small children, unless a coyote is cornered in some manner," Kelley said.
People should watch out for any small pets, even cats and dogs, he said.
Johnston said coyotes are "extremely wary and secretive" and avoid confrontations with people. He said there haven't been any reports of pets injured or killed by coyotes in the area.
Mike Foy, DNR wildlife specialist, said coyotes have started to wander into populated areas.
What brings them to populated areas is easy food, Johnston said.
"Like any animal, they'll go for an easy meal," he said. "With people around, there's usually a lot of food available."
According to the DNR's Web site, coyotes are both scavengers and predators. They hunt rodents, rabbits and squirrels.
Coyotes are about the size of a medium-sized dog, the Web site said. An adult male can be between 44 and 52 inches long, including its 14-inch tail. They can weigh between 25 and 42 pounds.
Johnston said coyotes are sometimes confused for feral dogs.
According to the DNR, coyotes range in color from dull yellow to gray. They have long, thin legs, a tapered muzzle and large, pointed ears.
To deter coyotes, Kelley suggested people use bright backyard lights, especially the kinds of lights that come on due to movement. If a person sees a coyote while walking, Kelley suggested they make loud noises or clap their hands.
"Trying not to approach them and leaving them alone is the best practice," he said.