Police

Coyotes in Blue Ash

Coyotes

coyote

Blue Ash Police Department receives periodic calls from concerned citizens when a coyote is sighted in our community. Coyotes have been a regular feature of the suburban environment for a long time, and while they tend to be elusive creatures, it is not uncommon to see one lurking around our neighborhoods and open areas. Most people recognize the difference between them and domestic canines. Their population exists and thrives due to the abundant opportunities to conceal themselves from humans, yet access a steady diet of small animals. Despite urbanization and reduction of wooded areas where these animals can exist, the modern coyote is comfortable in the suburbs, and especially in an area that boasts nature parks, golf courses, forests, parks, and open public areas such as Blue Ash offers. Coyote populations have been controlled to a small extent by eradication efforts under Ohio DNR rules and guidelines, however, control efforts now are minimal. Coyotes have been seen throughout Blue Ash both on public and private lands, and evidence of their existence are found in all areas of Blue Ash (footprints, scat, sightings). 


Problems associated with these animals include:

  • They hunt small animals including squirrels, mice, rats, rabbits, groundhogs, and on occasion, small domestic animals such as dogs and cats. Uncontrolled, coyotes will decimate an area of small animals and then move on.
  • Coyotes range for up to 20 miles and therefore are hard to pin down and control. Coyotes know no bounds and are frequently reported by citizens and business employees on their properties, and sometimes as close as on homeowner’s decks and porches. They can easily access any property regardless of fences or common landscape barriers.
  • During mating, coyotes may bring in other coyotes to the area, including aggressive males that may not scare off as easily.
  • While these animals tend to stay aloof, they are seen scampering around in the daylight, and especially when they are hunting more frequently when they have pups.

While the Blue Ash Police Department will investigate aggressive coyotes or any animal that has attacked humans or other animals, the department does not hunt or trap coyotes. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is responsible for wild animals in Ohio and referrals are made to them where coyotes become a nuisance or a danger to the public. For more information please visit the ODNR website