Sara Brant, who lives near El Oso Grande Park in northeast Albuquerque, says she saw a woman who left chicken and water for a coyote for at least two nights this week.
“She said it was just a coyote and it was fine she wouldn’t hurt anyone,” Brant said.
Brant says she found evidence of the feedings, chicken and freshwater near a certain tree on the north side of the park.
She shared all of this on the Nextdoor app to underline that feeding coyotes can be extremely dangerous.
“I thought if the word got out, maybe people could talk to her kindly, or if they know her, or find resources that she can really help them with,” Brant said.
Nick Pederson of Albuquerque’s Environmental Health Department said he had heard of feedings at the park but was never able to confirm it.
“Feeding wild animals only changes their behavior significantly,” said Pederson. “These animals no longer behave wildly.
He said it can get dangerous if people don’t know the animal, they don’t know why it’s coming, and the situation can cause the coyote to become frightened or aggressive.
“You’re losing all fear of people and city coyotes are already used to it,” said Pederson. “So you are already used to living with people. Often times, they don’t show much fear or follow dog walkers or just stand and look at people. “
Pederson said coyotes would survive well on their own without human help.
The city’s Environment and Health Department will discuss signage or patrols for this park with other city departments. There is currently no law prohibiting the feeding of wild animals, but again it is strongly discouraged.
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