Coyotes – What Do I need to know?
Coyotes – What Do I need to know?
The City of Wyoming Police Department wants to inform residents of an increased sighting of coyotes within the City, particularly in the Hilltop area. Several residents have called stating they have seen coyotes in their yards. On Wednesday, March 17, 2010, a resident of Hidden Valley Lane reported seeing two coyotes in her yard. This sighting brings to three reported sightings of coyotes in the Hilltop area within the past few months.
Since the Police Department began tracking coyote sightings in 2006, there has not been a reported attack of a domestic animal within the City of Wyoming. However, some neighboring communities have reported domestic animal attacks by coyotes. There are steps residents can take to reduce the risk of a pet (e.g. small dog or cat) becoming the victim of a coyote attack.
The Wyoming Police Department wants to educate residents on the behaviors of coyotes and offers these tips on protecting yourself and your pets:
- Don't leave food outside for your pets or stray cats. Food attracts small rodents which are the usual fare for coyotes.
- Keep your yard lighted, coyotes are naturally nocturnal and hunt during darkness.
- It is strongly recommended that if you have seen or heard coyotes in your area that you monitor your pets and children carefully. Educate your children about coyotes and instruct them to never approach any wild animal, even if it appears sick or injured. Homeowners whose property is adjacent to wooded areas should monitor the tree lines and monitor household pets carefully when outdoors, especially in the early morning and evening hours. If you spot a coyote make noise and waive your arms; coyotes are naturally timid and will usually flee.
- Store trash in covered, heavy-duty containers.
- Keep yards free of potential shelter such as brush or weeds.
- Do not allow spillage to accumulate around bird or squirrel feeders.
- There are products available, generally found at hunting stores, which may be applied along property edges that claim to repel the coyotes.
Report coyote sightings immediately to the Police Department at (513) 821-0141.
The City of Wyoming Police Department is working with neighboring communities and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to educate residents about the increasing presence of this species in the area and to explore options for addressing the presence of coyotes in our community. We will continue to monitor this situation in the future. Should you see coyotes in your neighborhood, please contact the Wyoming Police Department at (513) 821-0141.
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