Should I stay or should I go now? Concerns & Fear

I have heard it muttered that we are “dog killers.” Please realize most of us coyotes desperately want to avoid you and that means leaving your dogs alone. Really, there are plenty of us around to kill many more dogs but only a few coyotes are giving all of us a bad reputation.  Remember, both your dog and I are territorial. When dogs are barking at us they are often saying, “this is our land” or “stay away.” Some coyotes feel they have to establish dominance and kill the competition. We have no interest in eating your dogs.

Here’s How to Act When You See Me.

• Do not to leave small dogs, cats or children alone in the yard. Although no children have been attacked by a coyote in the Chicagoland area it is not a responsible practice.
• Walk dogs on leashes as directed by most cities ordinances.
• Do not leave pet food or other food scraps out which can serve as attractants for coyotes (Ohio Department of Natural Resources, n.d.).
• If you are walking a small dog and you see me immediately pick up the dog and practice hazing. Hazing is a technique of making eye contact, shouting, clapping hands, stopping feet and if necessary even throwing rocks near but not hitting me! (Fumo-Fox, 2013). We generally respond to sounds and will flee.
• Although we can carry diseases, currently none pose a serious risk to humans (Urban Coyote, n.d.).
• If I seem unwell or am behaving in an unnatural way contact local officials. Do not attempt to approach me.