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Public invited to forum about coyotes in area

Some locals say their pets have been killed by coyotes.

An animal that is believed to be a coyote was spotted in the field across from the Lakota West Freshman Campus on Tylersville Road by West Chester Twp. resident Frank Knapke on Feb. 9, 2009. Knapke said this particular coyote appeared to be hunting, which is noted by the way the animal is pointing its ears forward. The coyote was possibly searching for voles — rodents that resemble mice and create underground field burrows.

Contributed photo An animal that is believed to be a coyote was spotted in the field across from the Lakota West Freshman Campus on Tylersville Road by West Chester Twp. resident Frank Knapke on Feb. 9, 2009. Knapke said this particular coyote appeared to be hunting, which is noted by the way the animal is pointing its ears forward. The coyote was possibly searching for voles — rodents that resemble mice and create underground field burrows.

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By Dave Greber, Staff Writer Updated 9:20 PM Monday, November 2, 2009

West Chester Twp. resident Julie Dorn blames coyotes for reducing her 11-year-old dog Champ “to nothing but bones and fur” earlier this month.

Now, she’s using her 22-pound pup’s fatal attack to urge area residents to take steps to prevent other instances of run-ins with the local coyote population.

Dorn, who moved to the township 10 years ago, said that she believes that besides Champ, four other dogs and one cat in subdivisions nearby have fallen victim to coyotes since August, although the only proof she has are similar looking animal remains.

Dorn said she let her dog out just after 9 p.m. Oct. 4. When Champ didn’t return, they began scouring nearby streets and posting flyers and messages on the Internet. Six days later, and approximately 300 yards from her home, the Dorns found Champ’s remains.

“We need to come up with a plan,” Dorn said. “I understand they’re out there, but we should be able to live in our neighborhoods. Our concern is that they’re getting more bold.”

Remains alone might not be enough to confirm a coyote kill, according to officials from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, which is hosting an information session on coyotes Nov. 4 in West Chester.

Coyotes typically prey on smaller animals, such as mice, voles, moles, chipmunks and squirrels, said ODNR Wildlife Communication Specialist Kathy Garza-Behr.

Garza-Behr said people, more than any other factor, contributed to the state’s population of coyotes. That’s because as development occurred, Ohio’s population of timber wolves — which prey on coyotes — diminished.

“As we continue to have sprawl ... People are putting themselves in a coyote habitat,” Garza-Behr said.

Garza-Behr also said despite residents’ concerns, the local coyote population isn’t growing. Rather, she said it’s more likely that residents are becoming more aware of their existence.

The ODNR recommends people leash and watch their pets, especially during the early morning and evening hours. They also suggest keeping yards well lit and moving food and water dishes inside.

“People should realize that coyotes are a part of our landscape,” Garza-Behr said.

That’s easier said that done for Dorn and others like her.

“I want to get another dog at some point, but I’m too scared to right now,” she said.

Field management staff from ODNR will offer the free information session on coyotes at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 4, at the Township Hall, 9113 Cincinnati-Dayton Road.

The township has also posted wildlife management information on its Web site, www.westchesteroh.org.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2112 or dgreber@coxohio.com.

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