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Coyote Hazing: An Effective Tool for Shaping Coyote Behavior

COYOTE

Discover Aurora’s True Nature

Aurora NaturalistPublic Program Calendar

What is hazing? Also known as aversive conditioning or negative reinforcement, hazing is a training method used to discourage undesirable behavior or activity. Hazing effectively trains individual coyotes to avoid the presence of humans. It can also teach coyotes to avoid undesirable places like backyards, streets, and community play spaces. How does hazing work? In urban environments, coyotes are repeatedly exposed to people and potential food and shelter rewards such as lush landscaping, pet food, garden fruits and vegetables, bird seed, compost bins and unsecured trash. If there are no consequences associated with being in the presence of people or places where food and shelter rewards can be obtained, coyotes will come to tolerate the presence of people and readily explore and utilize community spaces. Hazing teaches coyotes to associate humans and communities with something unpleasant, causing them to avoid humans or flee further and faster at the sight of a human. Is hazing humane? The Humane Society of the United States supports the use of hazing to shape coyote behavior. By definition, hazing does not harm the animal being hazed, harm the person doing the hazing or cause property damage. When should I haze? Coyotes should not be tolerated in yards, driveways, parking lots, schools, community play spaces or busy trails. DO NOT haze a coyote that is obviously injured, sick or cornered. DO NOT haze a coyote with pups nearby. How do I effectively haze a coyote? • Don’t ignore the coyote. • Don’t turn your back or run away from the coyote. • Face the coyote and enhance your stature by raising your arms and widening your stance. • Make noise using your voice, an air horn, a whistle, a can full of pennies, banging pots and pans, or by clapping. • Throw small rocks or sticks; do not throw food. • Enhance your hazing effort by swinging a golf club, waiving a walking stick, or flashing a strobe flashlight.Hazing is more effective when an entire community commits to using it. Apply hazing as a united community. A single coyote that is hazed by a variety of tools, techniques and people is more likely to demonstrate a change in behavior. Mixed messages such as hazing from one person followed by ignoring, intentional feeding or retreat by other community members will reduce overall effectiveness. Do not tolerate “cheaters” or neighbors engaged in intentional or unintentional feeding or encouraging coyotes to loiter in your community. To learn more watch our coyote hazing video at AuroraGov.org/Nature.Resources: Denver Parks and Recreation: How to Haze: Effective Reshaping of Coyote Behavior Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Community Concerns and Coyotes PowerPoint, Coyote Crew training PowerPoint, Hazing Guidelines Humane Society of the United States: Coyote Hazing Guidelines

March-April-May 2017

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Sunrise Stroll at Star K RanchAges 5 & olderEarly morning is a great time to look for birds & other wildlife.241811 Mar. 18, Sat., 6:45-8 a.m.

Sunset Stroll All agesEnjoy an evening walk to look for wildlife as the sun sets.Jewell Wetlands241825 Mar. 10, Fri., 5:45-6:45 p.m. Quincy Reservoir241836 May 13, Sat., 8-9 p.m.

Wildflower Walk Ages 10 & olderJoin us for a look at spring wildflowers in this unique nature preserve. Ponderosa Preserve 241795 May 20, Sat., 9-11 a.m.

KIDSJunior RangersAges 6-12Learn about the plants and animals that call Star K Ranch home in this fun & educational class. Wild & Crafty241806 Mar. 12Insects that Sting241805 Apr. 9Birds, Nests & Eggs 241807 May 14• Sun., 1:30-3 p.m. • Registration required

Registration is required for all programs, except for Star K Kids. To register for nature programs, call 303.326.8650 or go online at AuroraGov.org/Recreation. All programs held at Morrison Nature Center, unless noted otherwise. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult for all programs except Junior Rangers and school break camps. Programs may be cancelled due to low participation or poor weather. For more information call 303.326.8445.

FAMILIESBird Walk Ages 8 & olderEnjoy a morning bird walk at these beautiful open space areas. 241793 Mar. 11 • Quincy Reservoir241792 May 13 • Ponderosa Preserve• Sat., 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Fishing with a Ranger All agesLearn how to fish for rainbow trout with Ranger Aaron Staack. Bring your family & fishing rods & we’ll supply the tackle/bait. Meet at the East dam parking lot.241799 Mar. 14 241798 Apr. 25241800 Mar. 28 241801 May 9241797 Apr. 11 241802 May 23• Tue., 6:30-7:30 p.m. • $10 Reservoir admission fee per vehicle• Aurora Reservoir

Great Horned OwlsAges 10 & olderDiscover the amazing nature of Aurora’s earliest nesters. 241842 Apr. 15, Sat., 9:30-11 a.m.

Nature at NightAll agesExplore nature after the sun goes down. Nocturnal Wildlife241837 Mar. 17, Fri., 7-8 p.m. Amphibian Chorus241809 Apr. 21, Fri., 7:30-8:30 p.m. Night Sounds241810 May 19, Fri., 8:15-9:15 p.m.

Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch 16002 E. Smith Road 303.326.8445Hours: Wed.-Fri. 12-4:30 p.m. • Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. • Closed Monday and Tuesday• Registration Line: 303.326.8650All programs held at Morrison Nature Center, unless noted otherwise.Photo credits: Wayne Gallagher & Vicky Samuel

Community Programs Contact us to request a community program for your Scout, school or community group: 303.326.8445.

School & Scout Programs Choose from a variety of programs designed with the specific needs of school curriculum or Scout requirements.

Outreach Programs Request an engaging and relevant presentation for your garden club, HOA meeting, Rotary or social group on topics people love to learn about and discuss.

COYOTEcall

Spring Break Nature FunAges 6-12Join us for one, two or all three days of nature exploration at Star K Ranch. Bring snacks, a water bottle & dress to be outdoors. Registration required.241813 Mar. 29 241814 Mar. 30 241815 Mar. 31• Wed.-Fri., 9 a.m.-noon• $10 per child/per day

Star K KidsAges 5 & youngerDiscover Aurora’s true nature through puppets, interactive activities & discovery time on the trail. No registration required.• Every Thu., 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

SAVE THE DATES!Summer Day Camps• Star K Nature Camp

June 6-9, June 20-23, July 11-14• Advanced Jr. Ranger Camp - June 27-30

• AQUA Tween Camp - July 25-28

Brownie Water Journey DayAges 6-12Begin your WOW: Wonders of Water Brownie Journey at this fun day full of engaging, educational & water-related activities. 241794 May 21, Sun., 1-4 p.m. Fee: $2