Roaming pack of coyotes prowling Detroit neighborhood

Summary

Residents of Detroit's west side are increasingly alarmed by the presence of coyotes, which have been spotted more frequently during the day. This shift in behavior, attributed to breeding season and changes in local habitat, raises concerns about the safety of pets and small animals. Despite neighbors' worries and calls to animal control, the city only addresses dog issues, leaving residents to consider costly trapping options. Experts advise removing food sources and using noisemakers to deter coyotes. The situation underscores the complexities of urban wildlife coexistence and community safety.

Takeaways

• 🐾 Neighbors in Detroit have been spotting coyotes frequently, especially at night, but daytime sightings have increased recently.
• 🦊 The coyotes observed are approximately the size of a pit bull, raising concerns among residents.
• 👶 Parents are particularly worried about the safety of their children and small pets due to the presence of coyotes.
• 🐱 A significant number of stray cats have disappeared from the neighborhood, leading to speculation that coyotes may be responsible.
• 📞 Residents have contacted animal control for help, but the city only deals with dogs, not coyotes.
• 🏙️ Changes in Detroit's landscape, including vacant lots and homes, are creating better habitats for coyotes.
• 📅 The breeding season for coyotes is currently underway, contributing to their increased daytime activity.
• 🧺 To deter coyotes, residents are advised to remove food sources, including pet food and trash.
• 🔔 Bringing a noisemaker, like rocks in a jar or keys, can help scare coyotes away during walks in their habitat.
• 💰 Some residents are exploring costly options for coyote removal, with quotes for trapping reaching around $1,500.

Q & A

What has been the primary concern of residents in the neighborhood regarding the coyotes?

Residents are primarily concerned about the safety of their small pets and children, particularly the presence of coyotes during the day and their potential threat to these vulnerable groups.

What changes in coyote behavior have been observed recently?

Neighbors have noted that coyotes, which were previously seen mainly at night, have started to appear during the day, showing more brazen behavior.

How large are the coyotes being spotted in the area?

Residents describe the coyotes as being slightly larger than a typical dog, comparable to a regular pit bull.

What has happened to the stray cats in the neighborhood?

Many stray cats have disappeared from the neighborhood, leading residents to believe that the coyotes may be preying on them.

What actions have residents taken in response to the coyote sightings?

Residents have reported the sightings to animal control; however, they were informed that the city only deals with stray dogs and not coyotes.

What does Holly Vaughan from the DNR suggest as a reason for the increased coyote activity?

Holly Vaughan indicates that changes in Detroit, such as the creation of nice habitats due to vacant lots and homes, along with the breeding season, have led to more daytime coyote sightings.

What advice does the DNR provide to residents living in areas with coyotes?

The DNR advises residents to remove food sources that might attract coyotes, such as trash cans and pet food left outdoors.

What should people carry when walking in areas known to have coyotes?

The DNR recommends carrying a noisemaker, such as rocks in a glass jar or keys, which may help scare coyotes away and reinforce their fear of humans.

Are there any solutions available for trapping coyotes in the neighborhood?

While residents can call for assistance, it can be costly. One neighbor mentioned a quote of around $1,500 to trap the coyotes, which many find prohibitive.

What implications do the coyotes' presence have on the local ecosystem?

The presence of coyotes can indicate a shift in the local ecosystem, as they may impact the populations of small animals, such as stray cats, and indicate changes in land use and habitat availability.