Like many communities across the Southwest, those in the Las Vegas Valley have seen residential and commercial development reach into areas that were previously undeveloped. As it has elsewhere, that development has had a direct impact on numerous wildlife species and their habitats. While some species suffer from the impacts of urban development, the wily coyote continues to thrive.

From their original haunts, which extended from parts of north-central Mexico to southwestern Canada, coyotes have extended their range to nearly all of North America. Their range includes urban centers such as Los Angeles, Phoenix and Las Vegas.

“The amazing thing about coyotes is their ability to adapt and adjust to changes in their natural environment and to the challenges of living in an urban environment. They can sometimes be seen roaming areas located on the outskirts of the Las Vegas Valley and even farther into town,” said Doug Nielsen, conservation education supervisor for the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

A popular drawing card for Southern Nevada homebuyers are golf courses, water-based landscape design and life on the edge of natural surroundings. What homebuyers often fail to realize is that these qualities are just as attractive to a variety of wildlife, coyotes and other predators that are already living in the Mojave Desert.

“Oftentimes people buy homes on the desert’s edge so they can have a more natural experience, but they want to pick and choose what critters come to visit. It just doesn’t work that way,” Nielsen said. “Golf courses, landscaping with water features, and washes or other avenues that provide animals with direct access to and from open desert areas will sooner or later attract prey species such as squirrels, rabbits and birds. These species then become an attractant for coyotes and other predators looking for a meal.”

Though coyotes have been known to hunt and eat domestic pets, simply seeing one is not necessarily cause for alarm. Nor is it necessary to call NDOW. However, a call may be warranted anytime a coyote is showing threatening behavior toward people, especially children. The key to preventing possible conflicts with coyotes or other wildlife, according to NDOW, is to eliminate those things that attract them, beginning with possible food sources.

Never feed coyotes and encourage your neighbors not to feed them. Wild animals quickly become habituated to humans as a food source. Store pet food inside and feed pets inside if possible. If a pet must be fed outside, clean up any uneaten food.

Pets, especially small ones, should not be left outside unattended. This is especially true at dawn or dusk when coyotes are most active. If it is necessary to leave a small pet outside unattended, consider keeping it in a sturdy enclosure with a roof. It’s also a good idea to trim or remove any ground-level shrubs and branches that could provide coyotes with a hiding place.

Coyote attacks on humans are a rare occurrence, and when it does happen, the attacks are generally directed at young children.

Should you encounter a coyote, make loud noises, wave your hands or objects such as a stick or broom, or spray the coyote with water from a garden hose. Don’t turn away or run, because that may trigger the animal’s predator extinct, but don’t corner a coyote either. Give the animal room to escape.

More information about living with coyotes can be found online at www.ndow.org.