(Urbandale, IA) -- A Des Moines suburb is making some recommendations to residents, regarding coyotes. Urbandale Park and Rec Director Jan Herke says the city has had a rising number of calls from concerned residents about coyotes, especially in wooded areas.
Herke says there have also been a number of coyote attacks on small pets, including one that killed a small dog.
The plan includes additional information on the city's website, including contact numbers to report coyote problems.
Herke says residents who live near possible coyote habitats may want to get rid of bird feeders, as they attract the sort of prey coyotes are looking for. She says any food for pets that's stored outdoors should be secured, and composting areas should also be secured.
She says most of the time coyotes do not pose a threat, but those that come within 30 feet of humans or those that go after pets should be called into the Urbandale Police Department’s non-emergency number (515) 222-3321. She says if it's determined the animal poses a threat it can be trapped and eradicated.