AVON LAKE, Ohio -- Springtime in the life of a coyote is defined by the birth of pups, following a nine-week gestation period in April and May.
The number of pups produced is generally dependent on available food resources and the surrounding coyote population. In urban areas, this can average around six pups.
Leaders in Avon Lake are taking a proactive approach to educating the community about the importance of these animals -- and other wildlife -- and how to peacefully coexist.
According to Avon Lake Communications and Technology Director Barb Cagley, city leaders realized there were concerns from residents regarding coyotes.
They decided to put together a specific wildlife education program to help everyone understand the realities of living in harmony with coyotes, rather than living in fear.
“The live with us, and the city can’t really do much about it, as controlling that population is outside of city control,” Cagley explained.
“We want to educate on living with them -- and that goes beyond coyotes to include foxes and all wildlife.
“Give the coyotes and foxes space and enjoy these beautiful creatures. They are trying to raise their young and they care about their babies, just like you would.
“Much of the fear has been driven by folks walking their dogs or letting their dogs out at night without a leash,” she continued.
“You have to use common sense and realize at night, in the woods, there may be coyotes and they may be hungry because they are feeding their babies.
“And folks need to realize these occurrences are extremely rare. They are not bad, or evil, they are just being coyotes. You can’t sit down and reason with them.
“These are valid concerns, because obviously we don’t want any pets to be harmed, but residents have to be mindful and perhaps modify their behavior, especially this time of year.”
Cagley shared a few simple tips, like making sure pets are leashed when walking or going out.
Always turn on the outdoor lights and clap loudly when you let your pets out in your yard at night.
Never let your pets wander in an area with potential den sites. Coyotes are intolerant of dogs during this time and may bite or attack if they feel threatened.
Cagley added that coyotes are an important part of Avon Lake’s landscape, helping to control populations of rodents, rabbits and other small animals.
“With a better understanding of coyotes and their habitat, we can coexist with these adaptable and cunning animals,” she said.
“Following simple rules and being coyote conscious can help reduce conflicts between humans, coyotes and other wildlife.
“If you spot a coyote in your neighborhood, there is no need to be alarmed, unless they are acting strangely, as is the case with any wildlife that is acting strangely,” Cagley continued.
“It is very rare compared to dog-human interactions for a coyote to come into actual physical contact with a person or pet, but if this occurs then it should be reported immediately.”
The city has worked with the Environmental Affairs Advisory Board (EAAB), as well as members of council, residents and business, to put together a formal education program.
Information was gleaned from experts in the field, and the communications department went to work sharing the information with the public.
The campaign includes podcasts on community television, posting important information on the city website and social media, and handouts provided to local schools, libraries and homeowners associations.
According to information from EAAB, raising coyotes is a team effort, and the entire pack contributes to the success of a litter.
For the next several weeks after birth, the mother spends her time primarily in the den with the pups. Both parents hunt for food and feed the young.
However, the male takes the lead role when the pups are newborns, obtaining enough food for both his mate and offspring and staying vigilant at the den sites.
Within a few weeks, coyote pups are weaned and begin to exit the den to play and socialize with other pack members.
By the time they are around nine weeks old, den sites are abandoned and the pups begin to travel along with the pack for the summer season.
Coyote sightings may decrease during the early spring as the pack sticks close to the den, which may be dug by the coyote or found in a variety of locations, such as hollow logs, an existing burrow previously occupied by another animal or a brushy thicket.
It is important to be cautious when visiting such areas, as this is a highly sensitive period for coyotes. Their behavior toward their litters can be extremely protective.
A human with or without a pet may experience a type of behavior known as “escorting,” in which a coyote may follow at a closer distance than usual in order to guide you away from the area of their den.
Though hazing is usually recommended when in close contact with coyotes -- making loud noises or squirting with a garden hose -- such techniques during pup season can be ineffective and can further escalate any tense situations.
The best course of action is to leave the area as confidently as possible, without running.
The EAAB provided the following actionable tops to prevent conflicts with coyotes:
• Remove food sources from your yard (birdseed on the ground, pet food, compost, garbage outside of bin).
• Keep dogs on leashes at all times. Keep cats safe inside your home, especially from dusk through dawn.
• Accompany dogs in the yard dusk through dawn, even if you have a fence.
• Deter coyotes from entering your yard with hazing techniques (yelling, clapping, whistling or throwing objects near them).
While residents do not need to report all coyote sightings, it is good to report any encounters with those who appear aggressive, fearless, sick or who -- despite the removal of all attractants -- continue to frequent a property.
In that regard, the city has established a Coyote Hotline. More information is available at www.AvonLake.org.
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