Coyotes grow increasingly aggressive: Wauwatosa police, DNR work together to solve issue



WAUWATOSA -- Wauwatosa police and the Department of Natural Resources are working together to try to get rid of some pretty aggressive coyotes. In the past week alone, three dogs were attacked. The most recent was killed just this past Saturday.

Authorities say coyotes have always been in the area -- but that's not the problem. The issue is now they are growing increasingly aggressive.

"The DNR has mentioned the option of trapping these animals and they are doing some extra work as far as trying to locate areas where these animals frequent where trapping might be successful in that regard," said Lt. Brian Zalewski of the Wauwatosa Police Department.

As they roam neighborhoods, the worry is the coyotes' new-found boldness.

"With the repeated attack of the animals in the same area there is some concern by the DNR that these animals are too comfortable around humans the interactions that they have are not consistent with what normal wildlife would do with humans and being scared away," said Zalewski.

Lt. Brian Zalewski of the Wauwatosa Police Department



Meanwhile, police will have extra patrols and urge the public to stay aware and refrain from leaving pets unattended. But if you do come across a coyote...

"Try to scare the animals away. They suggest using tin cans with coins or rocks and making loud noises. Making loud noises in other ways with whistles, motions, waving your arms, so coyotes area not as comfortable with interaction and feel some sort of threat," said Zalewski.