TOLEDO (WTOL) - The new year also brings a higher chance of catching a glimpse of a coyote in northwest Ohio.
Coyotes are not a native species of Ohio, but westward expansion more than 100 year ago pushed coyotes back east. Their population numbers have steadily grown in Ohio over the last century.
January through March is their mating season, so they will be more active than usual and could be seen out and about more often.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources sent out a social media post this week, letting people know what to do if you see a coyote on your property.
Usually, they should run at the sight of a human, but they may linger in your backyard if there is pet food out, garbage or grill grease left out. Small pets could become potential prey if the coyote is hungry enough.
However, on average, a Northwest Ohio resident could go years without encountering one.
“For the most part, they are weary of humans. They don’t want to interact with us, they prefer to keep their distance. But of course, being in close proximity, we’re going to be able to see them every once in a while,” said Meredith Gilbert, wildlife communications specialist with ODNR division of Wildlife District 2 out of Findlay.
If you happen to have a coyote on your property that has gone past being curious, and has become a nuisance, you can get in touch with a nuisance trapper by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.