Madison Police says city growth prompting more coyote sightings, issues advisory

The Madison Police Department sent out an advisory Monday warning residences of an increase in coyote sightings within the residential areas of the city.

“With the explosive growth of housing and retail builds in the city of Madison, there are bound to be increased sightings of coyotes,” a social media post by the police department stated. “According to the Alabama Cooperative Extension from Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities, coyotes may prey on cats and small dogs, but these incidents are relatively rare. They recommend not allowing small pets be left unattended in open yards, removing pet food from accessible areas at night, and securing lids on trash cans to reduce attractants that might bring coyotes seeking food into your yard. Never feed coyotes or encourage them to approach you. If you encounter one, do not run as this encourages predators to give chase.”

Unlike the alligators recently spotted at Lake Lady Anne in the Edgewater community, coyotes are not a protected species and hunting is permitted. However, discharging firearms in the City limits is prohibited with a few exceptions.  Nighttime hunting of coyotes is allowed with special permits from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources at https://www.outdooralabama.com/license-information, but residents must abide by the Madison City Code regarding discharge of firearms (click here for city code).

“Madison City Animal Control officers cannot trap or relocate coyotes,” the post also stated. “If a resident calls Madison Animal Control, they will respond, but will only chase the animal out of a yard or confined area. If a coyote is injured, Animal Control will assist with removal and humane euthanasia.”

For ongoing issues, residents are encouraged to contact the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.