Homeowners see coyotes running around Clifton and they have some concerns for their small pets. The animals have been seen back yards and running across Ludlow Avenue near Cincinnati State. Local 12s Angela Ingram has more on what the Ohio Department of Natural Resources wants people to know.
One of the biggest tips is "don't feed them." Make sure your garbage cans are secure if you know coyotes are in your neighborhood.
People who've seen them in Clifton say they haven't been aggressive, but they are large. "I was surprised to see them so healthy and I was surprised to see a pack, too."
A few years ago, local 12 caught a woman on camera feeding them -- a definite "no, no" according to wildlife experts. "We saw something run across the street and I was just like, is this a raccoon on steroids? It was just big and it went very fast and my friend in the car just said, expletive, are those wolves and I said, no they look like hyenas, but we knew they weren't either one and these coyotes were just huge."
Experts with the SPCA say the animals are common in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources says there a few basic rules to keep them out of your yard: Don't feed them, leave your lights on at night in your yard, secure your garbage cans, try to keep small pets and their food in the house.
The DNR says, in general, the coyotes want nothing to do with people. and, if we don't bother them, they likely won't bother us. "
Did they seem aggressive at all? No they were just running. They were beautiful and wild."
DNR also says the animals are territorial. and, they are canines, so there could be a confrontation with pet dogs. That's why experts are recommending that you keep your pets in the house if coyotes are in your neighborhood.
DNR has information about coyotes
on its website.
