Coyotes have been spotted “throughout” the city of Duluth in recent days, city spokeswoman Alisa Williams said.
The animals have not been concentrated in any particular area of the city, Williams said, but reported by multiple residents. Coyotes are generally not aggressive towards humans unless they have contracted rabies, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. However, they may prey on small pets, poultry and livestock that are left outside unattended, according to DNR.
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Duluth recommends residents keep their garbage tightly sealed and remove things from their yard that coyotes may want to eat, like pet food, fruit and bird seed. Shrubs and vegetation should be kept trimmed so coyotes cannot use them to hide, the city said. Pets should be leashed or within fenced areas. Residents should not try to “feed or tame” a coyote, according to a city Facebook post, and they can be scared away with “loud noises.”
Coyotes are not native to Georgia, so the DNR allows hunting and trapping of the animals year-round. However, residents should check any rules in their communities before hunting an animal. The city of Duluth does not mention hunting in its code of ordinances.
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