DEER PARK, Ohio -- Police warned Deer Park residents to watch their pets after they spotted a coyote early Saturday morning.
Officers saw the coyote in the area of Webster Avenue and Plainfield Road.
Police said pet owners, especially those with small animals, should be extra vigilant when their pets are outside.
This is not the first time a coyote has been seen in the Tri-State. North College Hill police sent a warning to residents after a coyote killed a small dog in May.
The police department shared these facts about coyotes to help keep people and pets safe:
- While coyotes are not native to Ohio, they are common throughout Ohio’s 88 counties in both rural and urban settings.
- Coyotes are most active at dawn and dusk, but may be seen frequently throughout the day.
- Remove all “attractants” to possibly deter the coyote from returning.
- Coyotes prey primarily on small mammals such as rabbits and mice. Small pets may also be taken.
- Keep small dogs and cats inside or stay with them at night when coyotes are most active.
- Coyotes are curious, but generally fearful of humans. Clap your hands and shout to scare off coyotes that are investigating your yard.
- Coyotes can adapt and exploit most any habitat to their advantage, including forests, clearcuts and woodlots in rural and urban areas.
- If the coyote visiting your yard seems to lack a fear of humans or is presenting a conflict even after removing attractants from your yard, contact a nuisance trapper. You can locate a trapper near you by calling the Division of Wildlife at 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).
