The Louisiana Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (LAWRA) is aware of increased sightings of coyote in the Harahan area.

As a reminder, LAWRA warned the public last year through a series of public meetings that continuing to shoot and kill coyote would destabilize the family pack and potentially lead to increased breeding.

"Harahan residents are now seeing first hand the results of ignoring our advice to aggressively haze the coyote to keep them wild and remove their food sources," said Louisiana Wildlife Rehabilitators Association President and state licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Beau Gast.

"They chose to allow their politicians and public safety officers to shoot them. Now they're seeing increased numbers and the problem still exists. Hazing is the only technique proven to work against coyote."

"By simply taking an empty gatorade bottle, filling it with coins and shaking it at a coyote when you see it you can keep that animal away from your home and pets. They learn to avoid humans and, by association, the areas we frequent. Coyote are opportunistic predators eating primarily mice and rats but will occassionally eat an animal as large as a cat. By hazing the coyote it learns not to come near your house. By not coming near your house the coyote, hopefully, won't come across your cat."

The Louisiana Wildlife Rehabilitators Association offers the following guidelines to reduce and prevent coyote encounters:

- Do Not Feed Coyotes. Keeping coyotes wild is the key to co-existing.

- Remove Attractants. Feed your pets inside, contain waste, compost

and pick up fallen fruit.

- Supervise Your Pets. Walk your dogs on a leash and keep your cats

inside to ensure their safety.

- Keep Coyotes Wary. If you are approached act big and make loud

noises to reintroduce and reinforce a natural fear of humans in the

coyote.

"We have a toll-free hotline available 24/7 for advice on handling coyote encounters. Members of the public can call us at (888) 309-3922 to get advice on proven solutions."

LAWRA reminds the public that we are available for completely free "Coyote Hazing and Control" public training meetings at the request of local agencies, animal control shelters and elected officials.

The Louisiana Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (LAWRA),

incorporated in 1997 as a 501(c)(3) conservation-minded non-profit, supports Louisiana's wildlife and provides resources and assistance for wildlife rehabilitates.

LAWRA is comprised of wildlife rehabilitators, veterinarians, conservationists, and other professionals from around Louisiana, all committed to restoring the health, ensuring the welfare, and safeguarding the future of Louisiana's wildlife.

LAWRA is also a state-licensed nuisance wildlife control operator and now routinely encounters and solves human-wildlife conflicts both via phone and in the field.