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Oct
15
Written by:
ODNR Division of Wildlife
10/15/2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2009
COYOTES ARE PRESENT STATEWIDE IN OHIO
These highly adaptable mammals live in both rural and urban areas
XENIA, OH – Contrary to popular belief, coyotes are very common in Ohio and have been for quite some time. According to biologists of the ODNR Division of Wildlife, coyotes are not native to Ohio, but have been living in the Buckeye State for well over 80 years.
“Coyotes, which are usually compared to a medium-sized dog, are found in all 88 counties of Ohio,” said Brett Beatty, assistant wildlife management supervisor in southwest Ohio. “Many folks believe coyotes are aggressive animals that should be feared, but that is actually not true. Just like most wild animals, coyotes will often run from the sight or sound of a human,” noted Beatty.
These days, however, habitat loss is contributing to increased sightings and human-wildlife conflicts. Especially in suburban Ohio, wildlife is constantly struggling to find the essential components needed for survival which are food, water, and shelter. Coyotes are very adaptable animals and often find these three items within city limits, increasing encounters with humans.
Simply leaving pet food or garbage out at night will attract wild animals, including coyotes and other species such as raccoons, opossums, and skunks.Coyotes are “mousers” and will generally feed on small mammals such as mice, squirrels, and rabbits, but they are also opportunistic, feeding on a wide variety of sources. These mostly nocturnal canines have been known to eat fruits, plants, and insects and occasionally livestock or small pets when other food is scarce.
Coyotes have bushy tails which are usually tipped in black and carried down at a 45 degree angle as they animal moves, unlike that of a close relative, the wolf. The majority of coyotes are gray, though some show a rusty, brown or off-white coloration. Coyotes stand about one and one half to two feet tall and are between 41 to 53 inches in length. Males of this species are larger than the females and weigh anywhere from 20 to 50 pounds. For more information on Ohio’s wildlife, go to www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).
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