Coyotes

 

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are a common part of wildlife community in Burnsville, but that is no reason to be alarmed. Coyotes are very secretive and avoid humans, although residents may hear their calls, barks, and yips, especially in the fall. Their primary food sources are small and medium sized mammals such as mice and rabbits. Some important notes on coyotes:

  • An average adult coyote is approximately 18" tall at the shoulders, weighs 30 pounds and looks like a small German Shepard breed dog.
  • A healthy coyote is not a threat for people. They can be a concern for small dogs and cats; keep them monitored or inside your home. If you see a coyote, wave your arms and make noise to scare them off. This will prevent coyotes from feeling too comfortable around areas where people frequent.
  • To reduce the likelihood of a coyote being attracted to your property, secure any potential food sources. Keep your garbage and compost bins properly contained and keep pet food dishes indoors. Consider removing bird feeders, as fallen seed may attract the small mammals that coyotes feed on.
  • CoyoteThe City does not control the coyote population.
  • Burnsville Animal Control does not control coyotes so you do not need to contact animal control if a coyote is observed.
  • In general, do not call the police department if you observe a coyote behaving normally (runs away or looking at you curiously from a distance). However, IF the animal is acting aggressively towards people or is acting sick, do call 911 to have the police respond.
  • General reports of coyotes can be submitted through the City website (link below). Please use this form so we can track their numbers and locations from year to year.

For more information about urban coyotes and for additional recommendations to reduce conflicts, visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) coyote webpage.

If you would like to report a coyote observation in Burnsville, please fill out the Coyote Monitoring Report Form. The City's Natural Resources Department is interested in monitoring the local coyote population.