Indiana DNR: Winter Coyote Sightings No Cause For Alarm

The DNR is passing along some helpful tips to prevent coyotes from being a problem.

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(Indianapolis, Ind.) – Seeing coyotes during the winter months should not cause alarm.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is reminding Hoosiers that coyotes become more active during the winter months, increasing the likelihood that you encounter the animal over the next few months.

According to the Indiana DNR, young coyotes are seeking a new home, while others are looking to breed, making them more active.

Coyotes thrive around yards and homes due to the abundance of food options. Their diet includes rabbits, mice, fruit and squirrels.

Seeing a coyote is not necessarily cause for concern, as they are common throughout the state.

To prevent any problems with coyotes, the Indiana DNR has released the following helpful tips:

• Clean up fallen fruit from trees or gardens.
• Keep garbage secure.
• Make sure pet food and treats are not left outside.
• Take down bird feeders if you see a coyote around your yard; they could be attracted to the rodents eating the seeds.
• Never intentionally feed a coyote; it could lose its fear of people.

If you see a coyote, try to make it uncomfortable:

• Yell.
• Wave your arms.
• Spray it with a hose.
• Throw tennis balls or small stones, but don’t throw anything that could be food, like apples.
• Carry a jar of coins or a small air horn to make noise.

Making a coyote feel unwelcome around people can help it maintain its natural fear of humans. Never corner or chase a coyote — they should always have a clear escape path to get away from you. Keep pets leashed, in a kennel with a secure top, or indoors to reduce the possibility of a negative interaction with any wildlife, including coyotes.

Find more information about coyotes, visit wildlife.IN.gov/5688.htm.