February 24, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Frank Colosimo 440-871-2900 x 219
Even though they’ve been among us for over 60 years, it’s no secret that coyotes have become an
increasing concern for several Northeast Ohio communities recently.
“As their populations grow, and they adapt to living in suburban areas, we’ve definitely seen a rise in
the number of nuisance complaint calls involving coyotes,” says Lake Erie Nature & Science Center
Wildlife Director Dave Wolf. “Spotting coyotes in their neighborhood is new to many local area
residents, so we’ve heard concerns from people who are worried about the safety of their families or
pets now that this new neighbor has moved in.”
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s 60+ year nonprofit mission has focused on educating the
community about the natural world and how to respect and cohabitate with wildlife like coyotes. In
support of this, the Center welcomed Scott Peters from the Ohio Division of Wildlife on Thursday,
March 8 for Coyotes: Your Newest Neighbors. Peters addressed the questions that have arisen as
coyotes have moved in on our territory and attempted to dispel myths and alleviate common fears.
Attendees gained a better understanding of what is driving coyotes into our communities, including:
Coyotes are extremely adaptable. They are the only large wild predator that has extended its range
despite human intrusion into habitat … they now live in rural and urban areas from California to
Maine (and Ohio!), from alpine to desert habitat.
Once a year in late winter or spring, coyotes come into heat. About two months later they bear
roughly six pups, which begin to emerge from the den about two weeks later.
Coyotes are less social than wolves or domestic dogs and usually hunt alone, although they
sometimes hunt in pairs for larger prey. Coyotes are carnivores but are also very opportunistic:
although the majority of their diet is meat including carrion, mice, rats, squirrels, other rodents, and
the occasional bird, they will also eat berries, bugs and even unsecured garbage.
Removal of coyotes is only a temporary fix. They tend to be drifters, taking advantage of open
environments and removed coyotes will usually be replaced by new coyotes. As well as tips on how to make homes and outdoor spaces unattractive to this recently arrived
predator, including:
Eliminate hiding cover in landscaping and dwellings. Make it difficult for coyotes to approach
unseen.
Install outside motion detectors.
Coyotes are extremely opportunistic. Securely store garbage, seed, pet foods and sources of food.
Feed pets inside; don’t allow a build-up of uneaten birdseed. Any environment that attracts small
animals will, in turn, attract coyotes.
It is unlikely they will attack pets as their typical prey is rabbit size or smaller. However, pets
should always be supervised or kept indoors.
If you are confronted, stay calm, and slowly back away.
Do not feed or encourage coyotes to feel comfortable around humans. A friendly coyote is
eventually a dead coyote.
Questions on this or other wildlife-related issues may be directed to the Center’s Wildlife Department
at 440-871-2900.
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center is located at 28728 Wolf Road in Bay Village and receives public
support with local tax dollars from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, to preserve and enrich our region’s
culture heritage. More info at www.lensc.org.
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