Cops Scare Coyotes with Paintballs

Coyotes with splotches of pink fur? It's not your imagination. At least not in Denver.

In response to increasing numbers of coyote sightings near homes, the Greenwood Village Police Department has armed its cops with paintball guns in hopes of humanely pushing the wild animals out of local backyards.

"The city of Greenwood Village has dealt with coyotes for years," Police Lt. Joe Harvey told ABCNews.com. "It's never been as bad as it is now."

So far, only one resident has been hurt by a coyote. In December, a teenager was attacked in a town park but was unharmed. Another resident reported a coyote grabbing his Shih Tzu. Sadly, Greenwood Village police discovered a coyote's den with 30 dog and cat collars.

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The coyotes living near Greenwood Village have become increasingly bold, walking right up to locals and snatching rabbits and pets. They've also been seen near bird feeders and fruit trees.

Last week a pair of officers shot six-rounds of colorful ammunition and hit two coyotes. Both times the coyotes yelped and ran. Harvey said the shots will "sting" but not maim the animals.

Coyotes have been making headlines outside of Denver. In Calgary, Canada, a dog hopped on a bus to escape a coyote in late April.

In March, wildlife experts told WCCO-TV in Plymouth, Minnesota that there are more coyotes in the suburbs than ever before because the wild animals are beginning to feel more comfortable. Plymouth gets about six calls each week from residents reporting a coyote in their backyard.

Coyotes, also known as prairie wolves, primarily eat small mammals, like squirrels, rabbits, and mice. But they also go after pets, reptiles, even your leftovers. Experts say the best way to keep coyotes off your property is to not leave any food outside.

Luckily, police also say coyotes are easily scared off. Loud noises, like banging pots and pans, or spraying the animals with cold water from a hose will usually do the trick.

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Tags: colorado, coyotes, denver, minnesota, paintball, suburbs