Coyotes are present across Ohio, making them a common sight throughout the state. These adaptable canids have successfully established populations in all 88 counties, demonstrating their capacity to thrive in diverse environments. Their widespread presence means encounters with coyotes are possible for residents in both rural and urban settings.
Coyote Presence and Distribution in Ohio
Coyotes have expanded their range across Ohio, now occupying all 88 counties. Historically, coyotes were primarily found in the western United States, but they began expanding eastward, with the first recorded presence in Ohio occurring in 1919. By 1988, coyotes were distributed statewide, and their population has stabilized in recent years. This expansion was partly due to the removal of larger carnivore species and changes in the landscape, such as the clearing of forests for agriculture.
These animals exhibit remarkable adaptability, allowing them to inhabit a wide array of environments. They can be found in rural areas, including agricultural fields, forests, and woodlots. Their presence extends into suburban neighborhoods and even urban landscapes, such as parks, golf courses, and fragmented wooded areas. Studies indicate that coyotes can thrive in urban environments, sometimes even having higher densities than in natural areas, often due to available food sources.
Understanding Ohio’s Coyotes
Ohio’s coyotes are slender animals resembling medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 20 to 50 pounds, with males generally being larger than females. They stand about one and a half to two feet tall and measure between 41 to 53 inches in length, including their bushy, black-tipped tail. While most coyotes in Ohio are gray, their fur can also display rusty, brown, or off-white coloration.
Coyotes are omnivores, consuming both animals and plants. They are opportunistic predators and scavengers, primarily eating small mammals like rabbits, mice, and rodents. Their diet also includes insects, fruits, berries, and carrion, adapting to available food sources.
Coyotes are often most active during dawn and dusk, though they can be observed at any time. They are well-known for diverse vocalizations, including howls, yips, barks, and yaps. These sounds serve as communication, helping them locate family members, mark territories, and strengthen social bonds.
Minimizing Conflicts with Coyotes
Coexisting with coyotes in Ohio involves implementing preventative measures to reduce potential conflicts. Securing outdoor food sources is important; this includes removing pet food and water bowls, cleaning up around grills, and ensuring garbage cans have tight-fitting lids, especially before nightfall. Removing these attractants can deter coyotes from residential areas.
Supervising pets is another important step, particularly small dogs and cats. Keeping them indoors or on a leash, especially during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours when coyotes are most active, can help prevent unwanted interactions. Fencing can offer some protection, though coyotes are skilled at climbing, jumping, and digging, so a fence needs to be at least five feet high and potentially have features that prevent digging underneath.
Should a coyote appear in your yard and seem too comfortable, hazing techniques can be used to reinforce their natural wariness of humans. This involves making yourself appear large by waving your arms, shouting, or using noisemakers like whistles or air horns. Throwing small objects nearby, not at, the coyote can also encourage them to leave. Continue hazing until the coyote fully retreats from the area to reinforce that your property is not a safe place for them.