Several different neighbors have reported seeing what they think is a coyote on Laburnum Street. The county animal warden advises if a coyote is behaving abnormally or aggressively, like a rabid dog, then call the county police non-emergency number (703-691-2131) and they will dispatch an animal control officer, or try the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries toll-free wildlife conflict helpline (1-855-571-9003).
Advice Regarding Coyotes
The best way to prevent coyotes from becoming a problem is to not give them a reason to take up residence in your community. If anyone in the neighborhood is feeding wildlife directly, or indirectly, it can cause trouble for everybody. Feeding wildlife will cause coyotes and other wildlife to lose their natural fear of humans.
- Keep trash inside until the morning of trash pick-up or place trash in an animal proof container, such as a metal or plastic trashcan with latches on the lids.
- Do not leave pet food outside; keep pet feeding areas clean.
- Remove bird feeders when problem species have been seen around them.
- Close up all openings under and into your buildings. Animals look for places to den and raise their young – don’t give them that opportunity.
- Clear fallen fruit from around trees.
- Keep brushy areas in your yard cut down to prevent cover for coyotes.
- Keep small pets inside, and on a leash when outside; they may be viewed by a coyote as prey. Larger dogs are viewed as a threat particularly from January to June while mating and birthing coyote pups.
- Install coyote proof fencing to protect unsupervised pets.
Regards,
CWCA Board
This message was sent to from Chesterbrook Woods Citizens Association. To unsubscribe from this list, click here. If you would like to manage your subscriptions, please visit https://cwca.membershiptoolkit.com/user_subscriptions
Chesterbrook Woods 