More Dangerous Coyote Are Fighting Pets In Urban Iowa

As cities expand and natural habitats for wild animals shrink pet owners need to be more aware of those wild animals.  Wild animals will usually adapt to their surroundings by becoming scavengers rather than predators.  However, that wild animal instinct still exists.  Iowans need to keep an eye on their pets with another sighting involving one coyote taking on two family dogs.

How Many Coyotes Are Estimated To Be In Iowa?

There are an estimated 12,000 coyotes in Iowa.  The majority of these animals are in Western Iowa. But, like everywhere else in the country, they are spreading and showing up in more cities.

The top predator in Iowa is the coyote.  Well, after the human.  And humans are able to hunt and shoot coyotes year-round in Iowa.  You will need a hunting license and there are other restrictions.  But you can't just go around shooting your gun in populated areas.

Coyote Are Now Populating Iowa Cities

You might have coyotes around your neighborhood and not even know it.  They typically will hunt the plentiful squirrels and rabbits while also eating garbage, birdseed, fruits, and other things that are easier to find than scrounging around a field or forest.  And they'll do it all at night.

But more recently neighborhoods across Iowa are spotting them in broad daylight and they are becoming more aggressive.

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The latest was near Crow Creek Road and 18th in Bettendorf, Iowa.  This isn't a new development near the edge of the city.  This is right in the middle of the populated Quad Cities.

The pet owner reported they saw a coyote "fighting our two dogs through the fence behind W Dale Court.  He (the coyote) was willing to try to come over the fence with our big dogs trying to heavily discourage him."

Other Neighbors on the Ring community chimed in with their sightings saying "We had one over here on Manchester Drive", and "We saw one run across Middle & Hopewell" and "We get one crossing our yard on camera periodically.  It's been more frequent the last few months."

Even during the day you need to keep your eyes on your pets when in the yard.  You never what other animals, even in the city, might be lurking in the shadows.