Wild Animals

Coyotes are native to Wisconsin and live in both rural and urban areas in Dane County.

We have received reports in the past of coyote attacks on pets in urban areas of Madison and Dane County. Most have involved smaller dogs left unattended in backyards.

Coyote Behavior

• Coyotes are generally more afraid of you than you are of them.
• When we feed coyotes, they lose their fear of humans.
• Between January and March, coyotes are mating. During this time they are more territorial and possibly more aggressive.
• Between March and May, coyote pups are born and parents may act aggressively when near their pups or their den.

Learn How to Haze a Coyote

Watch our video, "How to Haze a Coyote, " to learn how to safely co-exist with coyotes. It tells you how to haze, or scare away, coyotes so they do not feel comfortable being around humans.

Keep Coyotes Away From Your Property

• Don't feed coyotes. Feeding most wild animals is against the law. See Wisconsin Deer Baiting and Wildlife Feeding Regulations for more information.
• Clean up fallen fruit and birdseed that attracts the prey of coyotes, like squirrels. Coyotes will eat the prey and the birdseed or fruit.
• Make sure lids on garbage cans are on tight.
• Don't keep pet food or bowls outside.

Protect Your Pets

• Don't leave pets outside alone, either on or off a leash. If your dog stays outside, keep it in a secure outdoor kennel with a solid bottom and secure top.
• When walking your dog, carry a noisemaker, squirt gun, or sticks to throw toward (but not at) a coyote, if you see one.
• Always walk your dog on a leash.

Call us

• If you learn that someone is feeding coyotes,
  (608) 242-6515.
• If a coyote does not respond to hazing attempts,
  (608) 267-1989.
• If you see a coyote that is sick or injured,
  (608) 255-2345.

Coyote Resources

• Record when you see a fox or coyote in Madison, UW-Madison Urban Canid Project
• Coyote Information, WI Department of Natural Resources

We get a lot of calls each year about the large population of turkeys in Madison and surrounding areas. Most of the time, turkeys and humans can coexist. We only respond to calls about turkeys that are sick or injured.

If turkeys are acting aggressive or damaging your property, you can get  them to move to a different area:

• Remove any food source, like bird feeders.
• Make sure they can't get into compost piles and gardens.
• Spray them with a hose, make loud noises, or open and close an umbrella to scare them away.
• Remove or cover reflective surfaces. Male turkeys are attracted to them when they see their own reflection.

For rat infestations on your property, contact a pest control company for removal.

Learn how to prevent and control a rat or mouse infestation.

Call us at (608) 242-6515 if:

• You have a problem with rats in your neighborhood
• You live near a property with garbage or food accumulation that may attract rats

Foxes have become very good at living among humans. It's becoming more common to find them living under decks or sheds in populated areas. They eat small animals like mice and rabbits, as well as fruits and bugs, so any danger to your dogs and cats is minimal.

We help with sick or injured foxes, but we are unable to trap and relocate healthy foxes. If you want a fox removed from your property, contact the DNR, a private trapper, or a pest control company.

The most common call we get about foxes is about mange. A fox that is sick with mange can be rehabilitated, but they are difficult to catch. If you see a fox with mange, and it does not run away, call dispatch at (608) 255-2345 and ask for Animal Services.