Opportunistic Coyotes Target Pets

COLUMBUS, Ohio—An animal usually seen in open plains has been making a home in urban territory.

Central Ohio’s coyote population is growing, according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Experts said coyotes typically aren’t a threat.

NBC 4’s Ana Jackson GOT ANSWERS on what you should do if the canines become a problem.

Coyotes are very adaptable, and that’s why experts with Ohio Division of Wildlife believe more and more of them are making a home here in the city.

“They are such an opportunistic animal that they can utilize many different food sources, and they are survivors,“ ODW’s Gary Ludwig said.

Ludwig said coyotes will target garbage, pet food left outside and sometimes pets, especially cats.

“Coyotes are very effective at protecting their prey base. So a lot of times they may just be eliminating cats in the area that are hunting the same fields the coyotes are,“ Ludwig said.

Ludwig’s advice: Don’t let your pets roam around at night unattended.

If coyotes become a big problem, you can hunt them throughout the year as long as you have a license and local ordinances allow it.

You also can trap coyotes, but Ludwig said you shouldn’t release them elsewhere. Instead, it’s best to euthanize them, according to Ludwig.

“Because they can be an animal that carries diseases and they can cause problems in other places,“ he said.

ODW doesn’t do population control on coyotes because the animals are not considered a threat to humans.

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