Coyote Awareness Information

Like it or not, coyotes can be just about anywhere in Michigan. They can thrive in both rural and urban areas. I know I personally saw one just East of Portland last summer, and I saw what was left of one that didn’t quite make it across I-96 between Portland and Lansing in the last few weeks.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources website provides the following advice for those living with coyotes in the area.

“For your safety, NEVER intentionally feed or try to tame coyotes. It is critical that they retain their natural fear of people.

• Eliminate outside food sources.

- Garbage or pet food left out may draw their attention.

- Coyotes may also take advantage of the small mammals and birds that bird feeders and gardens often attract.

- Clear out brush piles that provide hiding places for small mammals and birds.

• Keep small pets indoors or accompany them outside and keep them on a leash.

• If you see a coyote in your area, try to scare it off by yelling, clapping or making other loud noises. Most coyotes are naturally afraid of people and will leave if you frighten them.

• Coyotes, like any wild animal, can act unpredictably and should be treated with respect and enjoyed from a distance.”

The DNR also says, “Coyote hunting and trapping seasons are available statewide. Details on season dates and bag limits can be found in the Fur Harvester Digest.

If problems exist outside regular hunting or trapping seasons, coyotes can be killed without a license on private land by the landowner or a designee if the coyote is doing or about to do damage to private property, pets, livestock, or humans.

In some areas, hunting or trapping may not be allowed for certain reasons. In this case, specially permitted nuisance control companies can be hired to assist landowners in the safe removal of problem animals.”

Here are images of a coyote brochure published by the DNR.

For more information, visit https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79135_79218_79619_81482---,00.html.