Residents of one of eastern Iowa’s largest cities may soon have fewer coyotes to torment them. Davenport aldermen have unanimously approved an ordinance allowing people who live on at least 10 acres of land inside city limits to hunt coyotes on their property.
They can use either bows or shotguns. Residents say more and more coyotes are coming into the city limits and feeding on small rodents and animal food left outside. Some say horses, goats and dogs also are being attacked, and they fear for their children’s safety.
Jeff Harrison of the Iowa DNR says coyotes have moved into cities to find food. He says there is not enough in their natural habitat, which is shrinking.
(Reporting by Phil Roberts, Davenport)