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Aggressive coyotes reported in north Valley

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Living in the desert comes with breathtaking beauty, but when the sun sets, the dangers lurk.

Aggressive coyotes have been reported in the far north Valley near Tatum Boulevard and Cave Creek Road.

"They walk along, kind of like dogs, but obviously, they're coyotes," said resident Woody Howard.

Some people living in Tatum Ranch say wildlife sightings are not usual, but lately, it's how bold and at times, aggressive coyotes have become that's alarming.

"[The children] were waiting at the bus stop, and there's a wash that's about 30 feet from the stop, and the coyote kinda came up, stood there, and one of the parents had the kids cross the street, just to get away from it," said Howard.

Howard says that was about two weeks ago, while out on a walk Monday evening, he was watching the shadows for possible predators.

Other neighbors have also reported sightings, saying they frequently come out for food and don't appear to be afraid of people.

 

Took this coyote trotting down the street by my house in Tatum Ranch a few days ago...they come out of the washes and roam the neighbor hood about 3 to 4 pm looking for food

Posted by Kevin Cross on Thursday, December 31, 2015

Amy Burnett from Arizona Game and Fish says the department gets reports of aggressive coyotes at least once a week, but she says, don't blame the animals.

"When a coyote becomes aggressive, it becomes aggressive because it's comfortable, and it's too used to people feeding it, or being complacent," explained Burnett.

Burnett says a coyote and human encounter is extremely rare, but it can happen.

Burnett says coyotes are very clever and some have figured out where there are people, pets and possibly food.

Burnett says there are some simple things to help keep coyotes out of your neighborhood. It begins by taking a simple assessment of your property and eliminating things coyotes would like.

Two tips include keeping pet food inside and eliminating a bird feeder that would attract them.