While the City of Montgomery will investigate aggressive coyotes or any animal that has attacked humans or other animals, the City does not hunt or trap coyotes. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is responsible for wild animals in Ohio and referrals are made to them where coyotes become a nuisance or a danger to the public. For more information please visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website.
What to do about coyotes
If you spot a coyote in your neighborhood, relax: Most coyotes avoid people. “Seeing a coyote out during the day is not a cause for alarm, especially in the spring and summer when they’re looking for food for their pups,” says Lynsey White Dasher, HSUS director of humane wildlife conflict resolution.
If a coyote displays no fear of people, he’s probably been fed. You can instill fear by raising your arms and yelling to drive him away. This is called hazing. Unlike trapping, which sometimes catches pets or other wildlife but rarely the coyotes who are causing problems, hazing works.
Coyotes may mistake small, unattended pets as prey or attack large dogs they view as threats to territory or dens. To keep your animals safe, take two simple steps:
- Watch your pets. Keep cats indoors, and never leave small dogs outside unsupervised or let any dog out of your yard off leash.
- Secure food sources. Store garbage in wildlife-proof containers and feed pets indoors.
For more information, please visit https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-about-coyotes.
Urban Coyote Research Project
The Urban Coyote Research Project has been taking place in Chicago, IL for several years and they have gathered a significant amount of information about coyotes in urban settings. Visit their website to learn about their project and how people and coyotes can coexist in a safe manner.