Recent coyote attacks stir conversation in River Hills, but say "it's not a situation the DNR would get involved in"



RIVER HILLS -- More coyote concerns after at least three dogs have died around the Wauwatosa area -- all the result of hungry coyotes. Now, people in River Hills are on the defense as the animals creep into their neck of the woods.

Coyote



A meeting was held in River Hills to discuss the coyote concerns. The meeting was actually planned about a month before the Wauwatosa attacks -- the end result is the same: The DNR is not going to kill or trap the coyotes, stead they're focus is educating the public.

Inside the River Hills Village Hall,  there's an education about a growing threat.

"River Hills is kind of in a unique set of circumstances because most of the residences here have much more property than other places in Milwaukee," said Dianne Robinson, wildlife biologist with the DNR.

Robinson is the go-to expert on coyotes in the Milwaukee County area. In just the last week, there have been three high-profile coyotes versus dog attacks: two in Wauwatosa and one in Elm Grove -- in each case, the dog died.

Coyote attacks



"Coyotes are opportunists. They are going to be eating whatever is available for them," said Robinson.

During a meeting Wednesday morning, September 16th the DNR and Wauwatosa police announced they will not trap or kill the animals. Instead, they're also pushing an educational approach.

Experts say too many people are feeding wild animals like turkeys. The birds end up being a food source for coyotes -- drawing them out of their pack and closer to your neighborhood for a snack.

"Reproductively, they can speed up or slow down, they're probably more adaptable than deer are," said Gene Braaksma, River Hills resident.

Because pets have been the victims in many of these cases, Robinson says never leave your dog unattended between dusk and dawn, when coyotes typically strike -- and make sure your pooch is always on a leash.

"There is an open season on coyotes. There isn't a bag limit on them, you can hunt coyotes year-round. It's not a situation the DNR would get involved in," said Robinson.

In Wauwatosa, police officers pledge to go door-to-door in problem areas next week. They will be handing out informational material and also helping to answer any questions.