Coyotes Spotted In Cleveland Heights, What To Do When Encountered

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Several Cleveland Heights residents have spotted coyotes in recent weeks. In a post on the neighborhood website Nextdoor, a resident posted photos she said she took near Elementary Boulevard of a coyote prowling about. The post generated a lot of dialogue, with several residents saying they had also spotted the animals around the town.

The commentators said they had also seen coyotes near Communion of Saints on Cedar Road and Meadowbrook Boulevard, Superior Park, Cain Park and as far away as Mayfield, near Severance Town Center.

Some residents have been surprised at the presence of coyotes in a largely urban environment like Cleveland Heights. However, the animals have been popping up in heavily developed suburbs throughout Cuyahoga County, most notably in Lakewood, where coyotes have attacked several small pets of residents.

February and March are prime coyote mating time, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Once pups are born, the parent coyotes will then seek food for their young. That means they may be more active during this time.

With that in mind, the ODNR has several suggestions for how to deal with a coyote should a resident find themselves in an encounter with one of the animals.

"If you do have a coyote on your property, remove all “attractants” to possibly deter the coyote from returning. This includes removing garbage and pet food before nightfall and cleaning up around the grill," the agency said.

Coyotes will attack small pets like cats or certain dog breeds. Coyotes will also prey on rabbits and mice. Residents should keep their pets inside at night, when coyotes are most active.

And if a coyote is encountered in person?

"Coyotes are curious, but generally fearful of humans. Clap your hands and shout to scare off coyotes that are investigating your yard," the ODNR said.

If a coyote doesn't seem afraid of human, it may be time to contact a nuisance trapper. The ODNR will help residents find a good trapper. To get ODNR advice on trappers, call 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).

For more information on identifying and dealing with coyotes, click here.

Photo from Google Earth