Police: Dog unharmed by coyote in Mill Creek Park

Mill Creek MetroParks Police say a dog that slipped its collar near Lake Cohasset on Wednesday and ran after a coyote.

Police Sergeant John Novotny tells 21 News that a woman was walking her Chocolate Labrador Retriever in the Bears Den area of the park at around 7:30 am when the dog got away and began to chase the coyote.

Officers recovered the dog, who police say was not injured. Police say the coyote did not chase the woman.

Novotny says that coyotes and foxes are just a few of the animals that occasionally wander through the park.

“They try to get away from people,” said Sgt. Novotny who adds that he lives near the park and sometimes can hear a coyote howling.

It is not permitted to bring dogs into the park without having them on a leash, and dogs are prohibited from picnic areas.

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, coyotes are common throughout the state’s 88 counties in both rural and urban areas.

The ODNR has these tips if you think you spotted a coyote in your yard:

Identify that the canine is truly a coyote and not a stray dog.

A coyote is slender, very similar in appearance to a medium-sized dog and much smaller than a wolf, a species not currently found in Ohio. The majority of coyotes are gray, though some show a rusty, brown or off-white coloration. It has a bushy tail which is usually tipped with black.

If you do have a coyote on your property, remove all “attractants” to possibly deter the coyote from returning. This includes removing garbage and pet food before nightfall and cleaning up around the grill.

Coyotes prey primarily on small mammals such as rabbits and mice. Small pets may also be taken. Keep small dogs and cats inside or stay with them at night when coyotes are most active.

Coyotes are curious, but generally fearful of humans. Clap your hands and shout to scare off coyotes that are investigating your yard.

If the coyote visiting your yard seems to lack a fear of humans or is presenting a conflict even after removing attractants from your yard, contact a nuisance trapper.

You can locate a trapper near you by calling the Division of Wildlife at 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).

Coyotes in rural areas can be controlled through legal hunting and trapping methods.

Consult the yearly Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet for more information. Go towww.wildohio.com to view more information online.

 

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