Coyotes spotted by residents

Division of Wildlife cautions those who see animal in city

“We track coyotes in Ohio. They often live around us and people are unaware.” — Wildlife Communications Specialist John Windau

Coyotes have been catching the eye of residents in Wickliffe.

According to the city’s website, coyotes have recently been seen in the Franklin Avenue area.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife describes coyotes as slender animals, very similar in appearance to a medium-sized dog and much smaller than a wolf.

ODNR says the majority of coyotes are gray, though some show a rusty, brown or off-white coloration with a bushy tail that is usually tipped with black.

Wildlife Communications Specialist John Windau said coyotes are very secretive animals.

“We track coyotes in Ohio,” he said. “They often live around us and people are unaware.”

Windau said although coyotes are wary of humans, residents should take caution.

“More of a concern is small

pets,” he said. “Don’t feed pets outside and bring them inside in the evening.”

Other precautions Division of Wildlife recommends residents should take if a coyote is spotted in their back yard include:

• Understand that coyotes are common throughout Ohio’s 88 counties in both rural and urban settings.

• Identify that the canine is truly a coyote and not a

stray dog. If you determine that the animal is a stray dog, contact your county dog warden.

• If you do have a coyote on your property, remove all attractants to possibly deter the coyote from returning. This includes removing garbage and pet food before nightfall and cleaning up around the grill.

• Coyotes prey primarily on small mammals such as rabbits and mice. Small pets may also be taken. Keep small dogs and cats inside or stay with them at night when coyotes are most active.

• Coyotes are curious, but generally fearful of humans. Clap your hands and shout to scare off coyotes that are investigating your yard.

• If the coyote visiting your yard seems to lack a fear of humans or is presenting a conflict even after removing attractants from your yard, contact a nuisance trapper. You can locate a trapper near you by calling the Division of Wildlife at 800-945-3543.

For more information about coyotes, visit wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/speciesand-habitats/speciesguide-index/mammals/