Photo by Andrew McFarlane | Flickr
Recent news reports in Troy, Mich. neighborhoods have been filled with coyote sightings – and worse, pet injuries due to coyotes. We expect to spot certain types of wildlife in our backyards, squirrels, raccoons and even deer. But coyote sightings seem out of the ordinary, to say the least.
So when Troy resident Patricia Blaszczak made the news after her Maltese, Sunshine, was found injure in the mouth of a coyote on Oct. 3 – it certainly caught our attention. And since then, more animals have been spotting. Residents are questioning their safety, and taking action that could cause more harm than good.
In an article in the Troy Times, Terry Oparka reports that there have been at least 12 incidents of gunshot attempts to shoot coyotes near Wattles and John R roads. In the article, Troy Police Lt. Bob Redmond warns that shooting at coyotes is a much more dangerous option than coyotes themselves.
According to the article:
“They (coyotes) are deathly afraid of people unless you coax them to come to you,” Redmond said. “You scare them off by screaming.”
If a resident were to encounter a coyote, he said, it’s best to continue to make noise and wave your arms until the coyote moves out of view.
In Troy, police have reported two coyote attacks on dogs, and several sightings of the animal itself. Coyotes are typically being spotted in the early morning or evening hours.
They usually are most active in the dark,” Redmond said. He noted that coyotes generally live lives unseen, do not have contact with humans and that relocating the animals doesn’t work.
Have you seen a coyote? Where did you spot the animal? Are you taking precautions for your pets?
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I live at 16 Mile and Groesbeck and I had a pack of 3 kill a rabbit in my yard. The next day I went out at knight and made kissing noises on my hand to see if I could call them in. It worked and all three came in. The alpha was the biggest coyote I’ve ever seen. I’ve hunted coyotes so I do know. Ever since I’ve yelled outside and watch my puggle when she is out. These coyotes have taken a real bite out of the rabbit population. There is another pair of coyotes by Gino’s Surf in Harison Twp. They took down an 8 point buck and a doe at different times. If they can kill a big buck like that then we are all in trouble. These may be coyote/Eastern wolf hybrides. That is why they pack and are so big.