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Police criticized for killing two coyotes in town
The Associated Press
IOWA CITY -- Animal rescue officials are disagreeing with a decision by police to kill two coyotes, including one that showed up at a football game tailgate party, but police said they were protecting people and at least one dog.
University Heights Police Chief Ron Fort said one coyote showed up during the Iowa-Minnesota football game and stole food from coolers. He said he tried to chase the coyote away, but when that didn't work he shot it.
Fort said another coyote was shot when it attacked a dog.
He said police aren't trying to root out coyotes, but will take action if necessary.
"If it reaches the point where people or pets are in danger, we'll destroy the coyote," Fort said.
Misha Goodman, director of the Iowa City/Coralville Animal Care and Adoption Center, said coyotes aren't a problem. She said the center is trying to track the animals to keep them from being shot.
"There has been no issue with coyotes ... in the 14 years I've been here," she said.
She said coyotes aren't aggressive, but have been known to go after dogs or cats if no food source is available.
"I don't think that's going to be a problem because they have a food source," said Goodman, referring to rabbits and small rodents found in the city.
Joe Wilkinson, a spokesman for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said coyotes adapt well to humans.
"Much like raccoons and opossums, they will slip into town here and there," he said
The Associated Press
IOWA CITY -- Animal rescue officials are disagreeing with a decision by police to kill two coyotes, including one that showed up at a football game tailgate party, but police said they were protecting people and at least one dog.
University Heights Police Chief Ron Fort said one coyote showed up during the Iowa-Minnesota football game and stole food from coolers. He said he tried to chase the coyote away, but when that didn't work he shot it.
Fort said another coyote was shot when it attacked a dog.
He said police aren't trying to root out coyotes, but will take action if necessary.
"If it reaches the point where people or pets are in danger, we'll destroy the coyote," Fort said.
Misha Goodman, director of the Iowa City/Coralville Animal Care and Adoption Center, said coyotes aren't a problem. She said the center is trying to track the animals to keep them from being shot.
"There has been no issue with coyotes ... in the 14 years I've been here," she said.
She said coyotes aren't aggressive, but have been known to go after dogs or cats if no food source is available.
"I don't think that's going to be a problem because they have a food source," said Goodman, referring to rabbits and small rodents found in the city.
Joe Wilkinson, a spokesman for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said coyotes adapt well to humans.
"Much like raccoons and opossums, they will slip into town here and there," he said