This morning, we were notified of a Facebook post regarding a potential coyote attack on a small dog which occurred yesterday morning off of Chillicothe just south of Mentor Avenue. The City of Mentor notified the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to advise them of the situation. Our Natural Resources Specialists are reaching out to the owner for additional information.
Through the course of the day, we have received numerous phone calls, emails, and Facebook messages from concerned citizens regarding this, and other unreported incidents which we are also investigating.
In the interim, we would remind residents that seeing a coyote does not necessarily indicate danger, but here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.
Make sure that there are no food sources left outside at any time including pet food or garbage. Coyotes may also be drawn to areas that provide ideal bedding and den opportunities including brush piles and the areas under raised decks. Coyotes are generally scavengers and predators of small prey. They can be seen during the day because they are opportunistic predators. They are most active at dawn and dusk.
Coyotes are USUALLY not a threat to pets and small children, but reasonable precautions should be taken. Please do not leave small children or pets unattended or unsupervised, especially at night when there is limited visibility.
Also, be aware that is currently coyote mating season (mid-January through mid-March), during which time they may be inclined to be more assertive.
Finally, it’s important to recognize that coyotes are not the only common predators which exist in urban communities. Foxes, raccoons, hawks, owls, and other dogs are some of the animals that can attack small pets if the opportunity arises.
The safety and well-being of our residents is our primary objective. Once our investigation is complete, our findings will be shared with the public.
Learn more about coyotes and their behavior at www.cityofmentor.com/natural-resources.
Please report coyote sightings to our Natural Resources Specialists at (440) 974-5717 or email throckmorton@cityofmentor.com.