Geneva Adopts Plan to “Haze” Coyotes

City administrator Mary McKittrick said language suggesting shooting paintballs at coyotes was removed from a "hazing" plan

Geneva's City Council on this week adopted a coyote management plan that includes the possibility of "trained personnel" that could be either police or volunteers "hazing" coyotes in the Chicago suburb.

City administrator Mary McKittrick told the council that earlier language suggesting shooting paintballs at coyotes was removed, the Daily Herald reported.

She said there was confusion about whether that meant anyone could shoot paintballs or even copper balls at coyotes.

Now the plan only makes reference to "high-intensity hazing techniques" or "aggressive hazing" like throwing rocks or golf balls.

The city has hired Humane Society experts to teach residents about coyotes.

According to the Humane Society, hazing is a method of using deterrents to move an animal out of an area like backyards and play spaces. The goal is to maintain a coyote's fear of humans.

Geneva's plan comes after residents last year reportedly complained about aggressive coyotes that were no longer scared of humans and weren’t frightened by hazing techniques. The city initially promised to keep track of coyote sightings and attacks on pets and humans.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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