Coyote Management: Denver vs Nashville
How do coyote management rules compare between Denver, CO and Nashville, TN?
Denver and Nashville have similar restriction levels.
Denver, CO
Denver County
Denver Parks & Recreation and Colorado Parks & Wildlife share urban coyote response. Denver promotes hazing under its Urban Wildlife Plan; lethal removal is reserved for aggressive animals. Feeding wildlife is prohibited under DRMC chapter 8.
View full Denver rules →Nashville, TN
Davidson County
Coyotes are common in Nashville greenways and suburban yards. TWRA manages take rules statewide, while Metro emphasizes hazing, secured trash, and not feeding pets outdoors. Lethal removal in residential areas is tightly limited.
View full Nashville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Denver | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Lead agencies | Denver Parks plus CPW | - |
| Default response | Hazing and education | - |
| Feeding wildlife | Prohibited DRMC 8 | - |
| Lethal removal | Aggressive animals only | - |
| Discharge ban | - | No firearms in Metro |
| Trapping permit | - | TWRA required |
| Recommended response | - | Hazing and secured trash |
| MACC role | - | Sick or injured coyotes |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Denver FAQ
Can I shoot a coyote attacking my Denver pet?
Generally no inside Denver city limits. Firearms are barred in most of the city. Colorado law allows lethal protection of livestock but coyote response in Denver is handled by CPW and Denver Animal Protection.
What should I do if I see a coyote in my Denver yard?
Haze it loudly: yell, clap, throw small objects without harming it. Bring pets inside and secure trash. Report aggressive or daytime-bold coyotes to 311 and CPW dispatch immediately.
Nashville FAQ
Will MACC remove a coyote from my yard?
Generally only if the coyote is injured, sick, or showing aggressive behavior. Healthy coyotes passing through are not trapped, and residents are coached on hazing instead.
Can I shoot a coyote on my property?
Discharge of firearms is prohibited within Metro Nashville except in narrow self-defense scenarios. Hire a TWRA-permitted nuisance wildlife operator instead of shooting.
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