Got Coyotes? Unless It's An Emergency, Don't Call Cops

TROY, MI – Police have been getting numerous calls about coyotes in the city. Unfortunately, police say there is little officers can do to help the situation. Unlike some other riff-raff that might venture into town, officers do not have jurisdiction to remove coyotes.

Unless there is an emergency situation, residents should not call the police department to report the animals. If residents need help with the beasts, officers suggest residents contact a licensed nuisance animal control company. Troy Police offer these suggestions:

• Critters Be Gone: Mark Evans, (248) 722-2058
• Goreman’s Wildlife Removal: Benjamin Foreman, (248) 894-1944
• Animal Control Specialist: Trent Masterson, (248) 431-8712
• ACT Live Trapping: Jeff Stonerock, (248) 475-4550

Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores and will eat fruits and vegetables, as well as small rodents. Coyotes that live in urban settings average 20 to 45 pounds, and are smaller than most dogs. They also are very timid and will rarely approach a human. They range over two to five square miles, and are most active at dawn and dusk, though they can be active during daytime hours, particularly during the spring mating season.

Coyotes have between four and seven pups, and live in family packs which consist of a breeding pair and may include older offspring.

Troy Police said to co-exist with coyotes, residents should:

• Always have garbage closed and contained.
• Fruit on the ground in the summer attracts rodents then attracts coyotes. Pick up fruit when it falls off the trees.
• Don’t leave any pet food outside, bird seed can also attract coyotes.
• A fence used as a barrier should be 6 to 7 feet tall, coyotes can leap and are also good climbers.

If approached by a coyote, humans should deter that behavior by yelling and waving a their arms, make noise with horns, whistles, or banging pots and pans, and throw rocks, sticks or other projectiles at the animal. It typically takes at least two times before a coyote will go away.

If residents have a pet, closely supervise them. Do not leave small dogs unattended. When walking a dog, residents should use a leash and stay close to pedestrian areas. If residents see coyotes while walking their dogs, they should keep their dog close and move towards an active area – and never allow or encourage a dog to interact or play with coyotes.

Troy Police reported that relocating coyotes is rarely effective. One study in Chicago showed that coyotes removed from a setting typically just return to their original neighborhood. And, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reports that any attempt to eliminate coyotes would likely result in a new batch of coyotes repopulating the area in a short period of time.

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