Cactus Village Community

Parks Officials Warn Preserve Users to Keep Dogs Leashed

Jul 18, 2003

The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is warning residents who walk their dogs in the city's preserves and desert parks to keep their pets on a leash. The Department is issuing the reminder after an incident in which two coyotes darted onto a trail, grabbed an unleashed dog and ran off. The dog was never seen again.

The unleashed dog, a Pomeranian, reportedly was walking approximately 20 feet ahead of its owner when the coyotes appeared. The incident occurred in late February in the Dreamy Draw Recreation Area. The risk to unleashed dogs, however, is not confined to that area. All parts of the Phoenix preserve system have similar coyote populations and many have had reports in past years of coyotes taking dogs.

"If you take your dog into the preserves, the best way to insure its safety is to keep it leashed and on established trails at all times," said Rene Vera, Natural Resources Administrator for the Parks and Recreation Department. "Larger dogs off leash also will be at risk if they encounter a pack of coyotes or a mating pair that perceives a threat to its young."

After consulting with officials at the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Parks staff have confirmed that this incident does NOT signal any unusual behavior or level of aggressiveness by the coyotes. The manner in which they took the dog, "run and grab," is a common food-gathering technique for coyotes, who are opportunistic eaters that grab food when the opportunity arises.

Coyotes will avoid humans whenever possible, and owners that keep their dogs on a leash no longer than six feet long will offer their dogs the protection of human presence. In this most recent incident, the unleashed dog had wandered far enough ahead that the presence of its owner was not a deterrent. Phoenix city ordinance requires that all dogs be on a leash no longer than six feet or under the direct control of their owners.

Staying on trails at all times will add an additional level of safety to both pets and native animals and birds because wildlife generally avoids heavily trafficked areas.

The leash warning applies to all city preserves and desert parks including South Mountain Park/Preserve; the Cholla Trail on Camelback Mountain; all northern areas including Squaw Peak and Dreamy Draw recreation areas and North Mountain Park; and Papago Park. There have been no other recent reports of violent confrontations in the Phoenix preserves between coyotes and dogs.

Residents seeking additional information on living with coyotes in urban areas can call the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 480-981- 9400 for a free brochure. . . ☻