Coyote Population Is On The Rise

While there have been very few recorded instances of non-rabid attacks on humans–there are more and more coyote sightings in Central Virginia being reported to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. About the size of an average dog, coyotes are opportunistic foragers and will eat anything of nutritional value. The New Era Progress reports, game experts say they are territorial and do not tolerate other coyotes or dogs trespassing on their territory, particularly near a den with pups. In most documented cases, aggressiveness towards a human has been in response to the presence of a dog with that person. For details on how to better ensure against a coyote encounter visit www.dgif.virginia.gov