12/30/2025
As any third shift GRPD Patrolman can vouch for, Coyotes are always in the area, but usually are harmless. These tips and information from ODNR are worth a read and are the best ways to keep interactions between our residents and the wild parts of the area, peaceful.
Let’s talk Coyotes….
I contacted ODNR and this was their response. This is good information.
Photo submitted by GRPD Sgt. Neal
Coyote spotted at Rt 44 and Williams St in Grand River
Thank you for contacting the ODNR’s Division of Wildlife. We are always happy to help. People and wildlife can peacefully coexist in most situations. However, there may be times when conflicts arise. Conflicts between people and wildlife arise in certain situations, such as when an animal's population becomes too large for a particular area to support. Human-induced changes in the environment will often result in increased numbers of a species. For example, piles of scrap building material make excellent sites where rodents can nest. Food left out for household pets is often equally attractive to some wildlife species. In these situations, the wildlife have suitable food and habitat and may become a nuisance. Most of the time changing the environment to make it less favorable for habitation will cause the animal to leave and go elsewhere. This is the preferred outcome we would like to have take place. Please use the link to the page on our website to see what you can do proactively to deter the coyote from staying in your area.
Nuisance Species: Coyote | Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ohiodnr.gov)
Food scraps, unsecured trash, and outdoor pet bowls make backyards irresistible. So remove all attractants! Open garbage cans, fallen fruit, compost, and outdoor pet food are major attractions. Once they find an easy meal, they’ll keep coming back.
Our experts recommend sealing trash tightly, cleaning grills, and removing birdseed that may attract rodents—a coyote’s favorite snack. Coyotes are opportunists, so cutting off their food supply is the most effective way to discourage repeat visits.
Coyotes’ growing presence is not a sign of aggression. It’s adaptation. As humans expand into their territory, they’re simply adjusting to survive. Understanding that coexistence is key helps you react calmly and responsibly when one shows up near your home.
Don’t Panic—But Don’t Ignore Them Either! The worst thing you can do is run inside and hide. Coyotes interpret avoidance as weakness, encouraging them to return. Instead, make your presence known immediately.
Yell, clap, wave your arms, or use noise makers to assert dominance and scare it away. Harassing also Known as “hazing,” is effective. This technique reminds coyotes that humans are not prey—and your property isn’t a safe hangout.
Coyotes view small pets as potential prey and larger dogs as rivals. Even if your pet seems curious or brave, don’t allow them to approach. Always leash dogs, especially at dawn and dusk, when coyotes are most active.
Cats should be kept indoors or supervised in enclosed outdoor spaces. If a coyote appears while you’re walking your dog, pick up small pets and back away slowly while maintaining eye contact. A calm but assertive stance helps prevent escalation.
Feeding coyotes, even unintentionally, is one of the most dangerous mistakes people make. When coyotes start associating humans with food, they lose their natural fear and become bolder around people and pets. A coyote that loses its caution often becomes a “nuisance animal” and may eventually have to be removed. Keeping them wild is the most humane solution.
For all wildlife every day is either Feast or Famin, so they must always be conserving their energy. Therefore, all wild animals including coyotes operate under the principal of the easiest meal for the least amount of energy expended.
You can take simple steps to make your property more work and less appealing:
Motion-activated lights, sprinklers, or ultrasonic deterrents can startle approaching coyotes.
Fencing helps too—but it should be at least six feet high and extend underground 18 inches in a “L” shape to block digging.
Trim bushes and tall grass where coyotes might hide
eliminate water sources like leaking sprinklers or outdoor ponds. The goal isn’t to harm the animal, but to send a clear message: this yard isn’t worth the trouble.
Hearing coyotes howl nearby can be unsettling, but it’s usually not a sign of aggression. Howls are a form of communication—used to locate family members, defend territory, or celebrate a meal.
If the sound seems close, it’s likely because coyotes’ howls carry far in open air. Most nighttime vocalizations fade once they realize humans are nearby. Turning on a Talk radio program connected to an outdoor speaker, outdoor lights or making loud noise often ends the chorus quickly.
There are no wolves in Ohio. Wolves are much larger animals than coyotes. So then also playing a loud recording of wolves howling would make coyotes not want to be in the same area with their natural nemesis.
Children are naturally curious, but they should know to stay calm and never approach a coyote. Experts recommend teaching them to make themselves look big—raise their arms, stomp, and yell loudly if they encounter one.
Kids should immediately back toward a door or building without turning their back. Coyotes rarely target people, but quick, confident action helps maintain boundaries and prevents the animal from feeling emboldened around humans.
Coyotes are now part of the American landscape, from rural fields to city alleys. Trying to eliminate them completely isn’t realistic—or ecologically wise, since they help control rodent populations.
Learning how to coexist safely is the best long-term solution. That means staying alert, keeping your yard clean, and responding assertively to their presence. With awareness and respect, humans can share a space with coyotes, without conflict or fear.
I hope you find this information helpful.
We appreciate you for being a valued Ohio hunting, fishing, and wildlife enthusiast.
Please have a safe and great day in the great outdoors of the great state of Ohio.
Sincerely,
Matthew Blair
Customer Service Assistant 1
ODNR Division of Wildlife
1500 Dublin Road
Columbus, OH 43215
1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543)
Email: Matthew.Blair@dn
