LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Coyotes are on the prowl in Sun City Summerlin.
Neighbors tell FOX5 they’re seeing them roam the streets and backyards in packs, and it doesn’t matter if it’s day or night.
Months-worth of Ring doorbell footage shows the coyotes running around including Tuesday morning, which is why our news crew was on the lookout. And so is homeowner, David Buccino for good reason.
“I’ve seen as many as four at a time transit through my backyard,” Buccino said. He’s lived in the Vegas area since the 90s.
His head is on a swivel because his neighbor’s dog was recently attacked trying to get through the doggy door.
“They got the dog. They tore the dog up pretty badly. He passed away the next morning,” Buccino said.
From pets to rabbits, Doug Nielsen with the Nevada Department of Wildlife says our encroachment into their territory might mean more encounters.
Nielsen says you could be attracting them to your yard and not even know it.
“Something as simple as having a bird feeder on your patio that uses bird seeds. Then create this food chain,” Nielsen said.
The seeds that fall attract animals that eat the seeds, and ultimately prey animals like coyotes.
The answer to seeing fewer coyotes and deadly pet attacks could be talking to your Homeowner’s Association. But that could be a tough sell.
“I think one of the biggest challenges that we have in the valley are limitations by Homeowners Association,” Nielsen said. “Certain residents or communities prohibit wrought iron extensions or coyote rollers.”
He says if a solution is unsightly, it might not be allowed, so do your homework and make sure any coyote-proofing solution is allowed in your neighborhood.
That’s why Nielsen suggested the innocuous coyote rollers, which can be installed by a local company, AR Iron in Henderson.
“The idea is that if a coyote jumps up and tries to get their front paws on the wall, they can’t because this roller keeps moving,” Nielsen said.
Buccino says his neighbor installed fencing with spikes on top.
Which is exactly what another homeowner in Henderson did, spending $15,000 after her dog was killed by coyotes in a report we brought you in October.
“It’s an expensive proposition, but they haven’t had any issues since,” Buccino said.
In spite of all of the video footage, NDOW says it hasn’t had to remove any coyotes this month, and the rep says he hopes it stays that way.
They are not currently looking at any specific areas of the valley for coyote activity.
NDOW says it doesn’t remove coyotes for being spotted in neighborhoods or for attacking free-roaming cats and dogs, but if there is a significant public safety risk, give them a call.
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