Some of the major characteristics to look for are a bushy black-tipped tail, yellow eyes and overall gray appearance. Coyotes can come in many colors, but the black-tipped tail will almost always be present and all coyotes have yellow eyes.Coyotes are sometimes mistaken for wolves, but there are no wild free-ranging wolves in Ohio.

If you have a pet cat that roams freely outdoors, even for short periods of time, you expose them to threats such as cars, dogs, disease, poisons, and cruel people. The best way to keep your cat safe is to ensure that that it is indoors before sunset and that you leave no cat food or water bowls out overnight. A readily available food source will attract a variety of wildlife, including coyote.

Coyotes do not typically hunt dogs. Most coyote-dog interactions occur when the dog is off leash and chases the coyote. In some rare cases, female dogs in heat left outside during the breeding season in February may be of interest to male coyotes for potential breeding. The best way to keep your dog safe is to keep it on leash when you are outside with it. Remember, there is a leash law in Ohio.

Most adult coyotes weigh between 25 and 35 pounds and they seldom weigh more than 45 pounds. Even a cocker spaniel weighs the same or more than a coyote. Coyotes typically will not attack a dog larger than itself. Even small dogs often prove to be too much of a hassle for coyotes to deal with. Although “attacks” on larger dogs are rare, coyotes will sometimes go after a large dog when they feel that their territory is threatened. This generally occurs during the coyote breeding season, which takes place from January through March. During this time, it is especially important not to let dogs outside unattended and to keep them on leashes when in public areas.

As a reminder, while keeping your dog restricted, invisible wireless electric fences do not stop other animals from entering your property.

Coyote attacks, especially in the Eastern U.S., are very uncommon. However, you should treat ALL wildlife with respect and remember that they are all wild animals. In addition, you should never intentionally feed coyotes.

A coyote’s diet mainly consists of small rodents, though they also eat vegetative matter such as fruits and grasses. Pet food left outside, bird feeders, and compost piles are a convenient food source for wildlife, including coyote. This food source attracts a great amount of mice, chipmunks, squirrels and rabbits - all of which coyote regularly eat.

Coyotes have adapted to living in and around cities. In the spring and fall, you will regularly see coyotes out during the day. In the spring, they spend more time looking for small rodents to feed their pups. In the fall, the pups are forced to leave and look for areas unoccupied by other coyotes. Because of their great adaption to cities, they regularly hear doors slamming, dogs barking, people talking, etc. They get used to those noises when they are out moving around. This is much like living next to a railroad. Over time you get used to the noise of the trains passing. It is normal behavior for coyotes to pay no attention to people.

While it is possible for coyotes and dogs to breed and produce offspring it is very uncommon. A study conducted by the Ohio Division of Wildlife in the 1980s found an occurrence rate of only 2% statewide. It is likely that most of these were in rural Ohio where it is much more common for dogs to be allowed to run freely on a landowner’s property.

In areas with human activity, coyotes will change their behavior so they are active when they are less likely to encounter humans. It is important to not let coyote get comfortable in your yard. If you see them, yell, clap your hands, or throw things near them (not at them). Although not as effective as removing food sources and hazing techniques, motion sensor lights, sounds, and sprinklers may deter coyote from entering your property. If used consistently, smell deterrents such as cayenne pepper, vinegar, and ammonia may also help deter coyotes.

We should always have a healthy respect for all wildlife. Coyotes are here to stay. Even if they are all removed from an area, other coyotes will move in to occupy the newly voided area. Coyotes are extremely adaptable animals and rapidly adjust to changing conditions. Wildlife managers have found that coyote populations can actually expand rather than decline in response to eradication attempts.

Healthy coyotes are typically wary of humans and will keep their distance. Most negative encounters with coyotes are caused by human behavior and are very preventable.

If you feel threatened, try to frighten the coyote away by shouting in a deep voice, waving your arms, throwing objects near (not at) the animal, and looking it directly in the eyes. Stand up if you are seated. If you are wearing a coat or vest, spread it open like a cape so that you appear larger.

Here are the three most important things you can do to prevent coyote conflict.

• In your yard: Coyotes are wary and easily frightened away unless they have been habituated. Remove food resources (pet food, garbage, fruit, vegetables, compost, bird seed, etc.) that attract coyotes and other wildlife. Scare away any coyotes you see in your yard and do not let them become comfortable. Coyotes can be scared by yelling, banging pans or throwing objects near them. When coyotes are comfortable in backyards, they may view small, unattended, pets that are running free, as prey. To a coyote, a small pet that is running free may not look any different than a rabbit or squirrel that are regular prey. Make sure you turn lights on in your yard before you let pets out at night to avoid any surprise encounters. As a reminder, while keeping your dog restricted, invisible wireless electric fences do not stop other animals from entering your property.
• Outdoors: Coyotes typically avoid well used human trails. Hiking or walking your dog off trail increases your chances of encountering a coyote. If you encounter a coyote, understand that the coyote may view you or your pet as a threat. Coyotes may not run from you if they think their pups or pregnant mate are in danger. Coyotes mate in February and early March. Pups are born from mid-April through May. During this period, coyotes will act defensively toward perceived threats.
• Keep your pet on a leash: Make sure your pet is under control and do not release or command it to attack a coyote. Dogs that bark or chase coyotes can cause a coyote to act defensively. On the very rare chance that a coyote does approach you directly or begins to follow you, do NOT turn and run because it may cause the coyote to chase you. Coyotes, like dogs, may instinctively follow things that run. Back slowly away so that you do not turn your back on the coyote. Back-tracking on the route you took, will often lead you out of a den area or away from protected pups.

It is very rare for a coyote to come into actual physical contact with a person or pet. However, if you or your pet are bitten, you should report it immediately to the county health department where the bite occurred. Bites can spread rabies or other infections, and prompt reporting allows public health officials to take preventative measures and make recommendations. If an animal bite occurs within Avon Lake, notify the Avon Lake Police Department.