Wildlife experts warn to beware of coyotes during upcoming weeks

Wildlife experts are warning people to beware of coyotes during the next several weeks.

There have been many coyotes sightings in the Miami Valley, including populated areas such as neighborhoods, and experts say that now is the time to start paying close attention to pets, as coyotes are more aggressive during this time of the year.

There has already been a sighting in an Oakwood neighborhood, according to David Garrison who said his neighbor recently spotted a coyote.

“It was in broad daylight, about 9 o’clock, they said on this street,” Garrison said.

Wildlife expert and owner of All Pro Wildlife Control, Brady Smith, said that it is currently mating season for coyotes, which is when they become more aggressive and will attack small animals such as cats and dogs.

“During the mating season, people will see more coyotes, and then in April and May, puppies will be born and that’s another time when people will see more coyotes,” Smith said.

Smith said that it is not unusual to see them in both rural and urban areas, and that even his daughter captured a video of a coyotes in their Beavercreek neighborhood recently.

While coyotes will attack small animals, Smith said that it is unusual for it to happen if the animal is with its owner.

“Coyotes inherently fear humans and if they see an animal with a human, it makes them keep their distance,” he said.

Smith said that if you do come across a coyote, do not turn your back or run away from it because they could possibly chase after you.

Instead, the best thing to do is stand your grand and make noise by yelling or clapping your hands.

He also added that you can help prevent coyotes from coming into your neighborhood by keeping pet food inside.

“Even bird feeders can add to coyote populations because the seeds attracts birds and small animals, which the coyotes love to eat.” Smith said.

Cox Media Group