Coyotes are on the move and if you see one in your neighborhood, there are some things to know to keep them from becoming a problem. Coyotes are in breeding season now and will soon be caring for pups, which means they will be looking for food anywhere they can find it.
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the easiest way to keep coyotes from getting too close to your home and property is to remove their food source. They are looking for critters like mice and rabbits, but they will go after easy pickings from trash cans and pet food if it is available. Bird feeders attract the small game that coyotes like, so take them down if coyotes are a problem.
The DNR recommends “hazing” coyotes if they get too close, by taking advantage of their natural fear of humans and scaring them off. The DNR also recommends accompanying pets outdoors instead of letting them roam free in areas where coyotes are present.
Finally, it’s always open season on coyotes that are being a nuisance on private property, and the DNR says that there are coyote nuisance control businesses that can help out if needed.
A link to more information:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSjHwzX9Iiw
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
