The central Iowa city of Urbandale is asking residents to look at its coyote management plan to help keep the animals from causing problems. The D-N-R’s Andy Kellner helped the leaders of the Des Moines suburb put together the plan after increased reports of coyotes.

Kellner says one of the key points is to make sure there are no easy food sources around homes.

Birdseed is another food source that could attract the coyotes. Kellner says the plan also give tips for keeping pets from becoming prey.

Kellner says cities like Urbandale that have greenways and river corridors provide the habitat where coyotes can live. He says he hasn’t had calls about coyote populations in other Iowa cities, but says it’s likely there are coyote populations in many other areas. Kellner says people can make the problem worse by treating the coyotes like they are pets.

He says people should do the opposite and take actions that make the coyotes fear being around humans.

Kellner says it’s also important to appreciate the good things coyotes provide to keep our ecosystem balanced.

Kellner says some wildlife species adjust a little bit better than others to the humans who have moved into their territories. He says coyotes, deer, turkeys, foxes, rabbits, and squirrels are among those that have found ways to adapt.