The truth about coyotes in central Ohio
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- It’s not uncommon to see social media posts about coyotes and the potential danger to small cats and dogs during this time of the year.
The Ohio Division of Wildlife said that each year, there are social media posts that have some inaccurate information about coyotes.
Wildlife Officer John Coffman said pet owners should be aware of coyotes but not afraid of them. People may be seeing the animals more often right now because of the lack of vegetation and the snow on the ground. Coffman said coyotes can be a danger to smaller pets.
“Think about the normal prey for a coyote would be something like rabbits and mice, so if you have something small that they can get ahold of, that’s smaller than them, they are opportunistic,” Coffman said.
Pets ten pounds and under are most at risk of coyote attacks, but Coffman said there are many things you can do to prevent coyotes from coming near your animals.
“Make sure your trash is put up in good receptacles or containers, keeping scraps out of the yard,” he said. “Anytime you do let cats or dogs outside to use the restroom or to feed, maybe going outside before, making sure the area is clear of any coyotes and then staying out there while the animal does what it needs to do and then bringing the animal back inside.”
Even though there are posts on social media right now about coyotes, some pet owners said they aren’t too worried.
“All I do is I just sort of keep an eye on him when I let him out in the backyard,” dog owner Michael Blair said. “I feel like he’s kind of borderline size where it would be an issue. I think it would take a rather large coyote to harm him.”
Coffman said this is the right attitude to have when it comes to coyotes. He said it mostly comes down to responsible pet ownership.
“A coyote is a part of the natural road here in Ohio and as long as we are responsible and mindful of the decisions we make, a coyote shouldn’t have any issues at all,” he said.
Coffman mentioned that coyotes are very adaptable, so they are just as likely to be found in the middle of an urban area as in the woods. No matter where people live, Coffman said they should be keeping an eye on their small pets.