Bloomington residents have reported recent sightings of foxes and coyotes.
“Generally, if you leave the animals alone, they won’t harm you,” Animal Control Coordinator John Carlson said.
If you don’t want them in your backyard, Carlson explained how to haze an animal. Hazing is a method that makes use of deterrents to move an animal out of an area. It can help maintain a coyote’s fear of humans and deter them from backyards. Use a variety of hazing tools so animals don’t get used to redundant sounds and actions.
Hazing techniques:
- Stand tall and wave your arms in the air. Yell loudly.
- Toss sticks or tennis balls near the animal.
- Use noisemakers such as whistles, air horns, bells, banging items together or your voice.
- Spray the animal with a water hose.
An animal may not immediately run. Continue to use hazing techniques until the animal completely leaves the area. If the animal returns later, repeat the hazing. It could take a few times to get the animal to stay away.
Follow these additional tips from the Bloomington Police Department’s Animal Control:
- Make sure trash is always secure.
- Inspect property for holes. Fill holes under porches or in sheds.
- Keep trees well trimmed to prevent animals from accessing the rooftop by climbing a tree.
- Visit your local garden or hardware store to purchase deterrents.
BPD officers are not trappers. If you have problems with wild animals and want them trapped, consider hiring a wildlife trapper. For more information or to watch a video about hazing, visit blm.mn/animalcontrol. Call 952-563-4942 for questions and concerns.
