COYOTES

---

Most coyotes don’t bother people, but the potential does exist for coyote attacks in Ohio. A coyote who does not fear people should be considered dangerous. The foods they find in residential areas (garbage, pet food, pets) are full of human odors, so these coyotes quickly learn to associate food with people. People may become frightened when they see coyotes, and run into their homes. To a coyote, that person has just behaved like prey (running triggers their attack response). In short, food smells like people and people behave like prey. Some people even intentionally feed coyotes, further increasing the potential for a coyote attack.  

• Act tough. Be very aggressive. Yell, make loud noises, wave your arms, spray the coyote with water from a hose, or throw sticks/stones near the coyote. 
• Teach children that coyotes are not dogs and they are not pets. Observe coyotes only from a safe distance. 
• Keep a close eye on small children playing near the woods 
• If you have a bigger dog, allow it to be outside with young kids to act as a guard dog
• Don’t let pets roam freely, and don’t feed them outdoors!