The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reports a statewide increase in coyote sightings, prompting municipal leaders to update wildlife ordinances and issue public safety guidance. According to Andy Kellner, a DNR urban wildlife biologist, increased interactions between residents and the 30-to-40-pound animals are common during specific seasonal periods as young wildlife disperse.
Urban Coyote Population Trends in Iowa
Municipalities across Iowa are adjusting local policies to manage a growing urban coyote presence. In Johnston, Police Chief Dennis McDaniel stated that the city is updating its coyote ordinance to permit certified operators to trap problem wildlife. Des Moines maintains a similar regulatory framework to handle urban wildlife conflicts.
According to McDaniel, these legislative steps aim to reduce potential conflicts while educating the public. “We’re going to see coyotes. We’re trying to reduce the possibility of conflicts and really at the same time educate our citizens that this isn’t necessarily something to be afraid of,” McDaniel said. Natural areas such as Gray’s Lake in Des Moines frequently serve as transit and habitat zones for the animals.
Seasonal Vocalization and Pup Dispersal
Increased vocalization, such as howling near river corridors and lakes, is typical for this time of year. According to the DNR, the season marks a primary window for coyote pups to venture away from their parents, resulting in frequent noise as the young animals communicate.
Kellner noted that howling does not indicate aggression. “They’re actually communicating to other packs and they’re telling the other packs where their territories are,” Kellner said. KCCI photojournalist Josh Payan recently documented coyotes near Gray’s Lake while walking a domestic pet, highlighting the close proximity of wildlife to urban residents.
How to Handle Coyote Encounters
Pro Tip: Wildlife biologists advise residents not to ignore a coyote sighting. Stand tall, wave your arms aggressively, and make loud noises to deter the animal.
The DNR has released instructional video material detailing safety protocols for residents who encounter the canines. According to state wildlife guidelines, the primary objective during an encounter is to appear large, loud, and assertive. “The goal is to be big, loud, and scary. If you see a coyote, don’t ignore it. Wave your arms, stand tall, and wave aggressively. Go away, coyote, go away,” the agency advises.
Pet owners face specific risks when walking animals in wooded or waterfront environments. The DNR recommends keeping dogs on a leash and picking them up if a coyote approaches closely, minimizing direct interaction between the two canine species.
Did you know? Coyotes generally weigh between 30 and 40 pounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are coyote sightings increasing in Iowa cities?
According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, increased sightings coincide with the seasonal dispersal of coyote pups leaving their parents.
Is coyote howling a sign of an attack?
No. According to DNR urban wildlife biologist Andy Kellner, howling is a territorial communication method used by packs to signal boundaries to neighboring groups, not an indicator of aggression.
What should I do if I see a coyote in my neighborhood?
The DNR recommends standing tall, waving your arms aggressively, and making loud noises to scare the animal away. Do not ignore the sighting.
How can I protect my pets from coyotes?
Keep dogs on a leash during walks in wooded or natural areas, and lift pets off the ground if a coyote comes into your immediate vicinity, according to state wildlife officials.
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