Middleburg Heights Police Find Coyote Stuck In Marc's Store Doorway

It seems nobody can resist the sales at Marc’s.

A coyote was found stuck between the door and railway of the Middleburg Heights store Friday afternoon after trying unsuccessfully to get inside reported.

Animal Control and Police responded to calls about the animal after already receiving reports of a coyote at the nearby Giant Eagle in the Southland Shopping Center. Animal Control later arrived on the scene and helped free the scared animal, frozen with fright, but after examination an unfortunate diagnosis was made.

Animal Control concluded the animal was most likely sick with distemper after consulting with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. It was humanely euthanized out of concern the coyote could return to the store or bite somebody.

Animal Control Officer Laura Takacs noted the location of the coyote was very unusual. She also found the situation sheds light on the presence of coyotes this time of year.

“It’s pup season, so you’ll be seeing [coyotes] a lot more than usual right now," Takacs said, "and they’re very protective of their den and pups.”

Owners of small pets should be on alert and keep their animal inside or on a leash at all times. After all, who knows what the coyote was looking to sink its teeth into inside the store. Takacs also offered advice for people who encounter a coyote.

"If you run into them in the woods, never run," Takacs said, "then you turn into prey. Get bigger, louder, make noise and back away slowly."

She also recommend carrying mace or a stick when walking, and looking at the website urbancoyoteresearch.com for further information.