Coyote Awareness & Safety

Coyote Awareness & Safety

Coyotes are common in many communities like Dearborn, where natural areas and wildlife coexist with urban and residential infrastructure. Coyotes are very rarely a threat to humans, however, it's crucial to follow these rules in areas where coyotes have been reported:

• Do not feed a coyote or leave food outside: Feeding coyotes can make them dependent on humans for food and increase the likelihood of them approaching people and moreheavily
  populated residential areas. Be sure to remove animal feed and pet food that may be left outside, especially at night.
• Carefully dispose of food and waste: Always properly dispose of food and litter at your property and public areas, like City parks, to prevent coyotes from finding leftovers.
  Be sure that trash and recycling carts are closed tightly and not overflowing, as coyotes and other critters may seek to dig through garbage left in the open. Similarly, ensure only natural plant waste is pitched in tightly sealed yard waste bags or containers.
• Keep your pets - especially cats - indoors: Coyotes depend on small animals as a food source. Because of this, it's important to keep your pets indoors as much as possible,
  especially at night. Whenever you take animals outside, make sure that they are not left unattended.
• Supervise children when they are outside: Children should be supervised when they are playing outside, especially in areas where coyotes are known to be present.
  
  
• Take care of your yard and property: Keep your yard, grass, weeds, and alleyways tidy and free of debris, garbage, and animal waste, all of which attract coyotes and other wildlife.

  
  Similarly, compost soil and woodpiles are a treasure trove for coyotes, who love to eat bugs and insects often found in both. Be sure to safely contain compost and wood on your property when possible.
  
  More information on property maintenance and safety tips is available here: Tall grass, weed, and property maintenance regulations.
  
  What to do if you see a coyote

  In general, coyotes are frightened by humans and larger mammals. Because of this, they are not typically aggressive towards people or pets. Nevertheless, it is important to know how to interact with them safely, especially if you encounter them at a close distance.

• 1. Make noise and wave your arms: If you see a coyote while you are outdoors, make noise and wave your arms to scare it away.
     
     
  2. Back away slowly: If a coyote does not run away, back away slowly while facing the animal.
     
     
  3. DO NOT RUN: Running can trigger a coyote's prey instinct, so it is important to back away slowly and calmly. Be sure to communicate this to those with pets and children in the event that you encounter a coyote that is not responding to noise and movement.

  When to call Dearborn Animal Control
  
  You do not need to call Dearborn Police or Animal Control if you see a coyote on private or public property unless they are acting abnormally.

• Call 9-1-1 if a coyote is behaving aggressively, such as growling, barking, or lunging at you, another human, or pet.
  
  
• Call Dearborn Animal Control at 313-943-2070 if a coyote appears to be injured or is behaving unusually (seems disoriented, showing signs of rabies, etc.).
  
  Please note that Dearborn Police and Animal Control can't remove wildlife and animals that are behaving normally, regardless of whether they are seen on public or private property.
  
  For more information on coyotes in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/DNR.