A coyote that was acting strangely in the around the Capitol and North End areas of Boise was hit with three tranquilizer darts on Friday, but still evaded capture and remains on the loose, the Idaho Fish and Game Department has announced. Fish & Game spokesman Ed Mitchell said the animal was darted with the intent of removing it from the area, but each time it was hit, disturbances from traffic or people roused it before it could drowse off. The coyote appeared to have become habituated to humans and had prompted a number of complaints from the public, Fish & Game reported.

Officials warned anyone finding the 2.5-inch long, clear or bright-yellow darts not to handle them with bare hands and to report them to Fish & Game; also, area residents are being warned not to feed coyotes, not to leave pet food outside and not to leave pets, especially cats, outside unsupervised. Anyone who sees the coyote or finds the darts is asked to call Fish & Game at 334-3700.

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