Why a coyote-proof backyard can be a tough sell with your home as coyotes roam the Vegas Valley

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Coyotes are on the prowl in Sun City Summerlin.

Neighbors tell FOX5 they see them roaming the streets and yards in packs, day or night.

Ring recordings of doorbells spanning several months show coyotes on the run, including Tuesday morning, so our news team was on alert. Not for nothing is the owner of the house, David Buccino, too.

“I’ve seen four come through my yard at one time,” Buccino said. He lived in Vegas since the 90s.

His head is on a swivel because his neighbor’s dog was recently attacked while trying to get through the doggy door.

“They took the dog. They tore the dog very badly. He died the next morning,” Buccino said.

From pets to rabbits, Doug Nielsen of the Nevada Department of Wildlife says our encroachment on their territory could mean more encounters.

Nielsen says you could be attracting them to your yard and not even know it.

“Something as simple as a bird feeder in your backyard that uses bird seed. Then create that food chain,” Nielsen said.

Falling seeds attract animals that eat the seeds and eventually become prey for animals such as coyotes.

The answer to seeing fewer coyotes and fatal pet attacks may be talking to your Homeowners Association. But it can be a hard sell.

“I think one of the biggest problems we have in the valley is the restrictions from the Home Owners Association,” Nielsen said. “Some residents or communities prohibit forged extensions or coyotes.”

He says if the solution is unsightly, it may not be allowed, so do your homework and make sure any coyote-proofing solution is allowed in your area.

That’s why Nielsen suggested a harmless one coyote rollerswhich can be installed by local AR Iron in Henderson.

“The idea is that if the coyote jumps up and tries to grab the wall with its front paws, it won’t be able to because that roller keeps moving,” Nielsen said.

Buccino says his neighbor installed a fence with spikes on top.

What exactly did another homeowner in Henderson do, spending $15,000 after her dog was killed by coyotes in a report we brought you in October.

“It’s an expensive proposition, but they haven’t had any problems since,” Buccino said.

Despite all the footage, NDOW says no coyotes have been removed this month, and a spokesperson says they hope to keep it that way.

They are not currently looking at any specific areas of the valley for coyote activity.

NDOW says it doesn’t remove coyotes for being spotted in the neighborhood or for attacking free-roaming cats and dogs, but if there’s a significant risk to public safety, call them.