Coyote Populations Increasing In Ohio Cities

Why you may be seeing more of the furry creatures

Wildlife officials in Ohio are warning residents as there has been increased reports of coyotes sightings in and around cities. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources issued a statement saying the increase at this time of year is not unusual as the animals are currently in their breeding season. Coyotes can pose threats to pets, especially smaller ones.

The breeding season for coyotes in this region is from December to March. Ohio officials have said that residents will see more and more of these animals throughout those months as they are more active. They are usually not a threat to people, only to small animals. However, to control populations, officials say that hunting of the animals is allowed year-round.

For more information on wildlife control, visit Critter Detective.

Coyote Population Growing Around Ohio Cities

Wildlife officials are warning Ohio residents following an increase in the number of reported coyote sightings in urban areas.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has issued a statement saying the increase at this time of year is not unusual as the animals are in the middle of a breeding season which lasts from late December until early March. Learn more

Summary: Coyotes are becoming more of a presence in urban areas. Thanks to increased urbanization, the animals have had to adapt their habitats and move closer to humans.

Year-round hunting is permitted for coyote in Ohio...https://t.co/1AknAPFy3Y

— 94 Country WKKJ (@94CountryWKKJ) December 18, 2019

You might see more coyotes the next few months

It's a sight that will become more common the next few months.

A Grandview Heights woman snapped a photo Sunday afternoon that shows a coyote sitting in her neighbor's driveway.

The Ohio Division of Natural Resources said you might be spotting more this time of year for several reasons.

Read more

Summary: Ohio residents may be spotting more and more coyotes in the coming months. This is due to the animals being more active because their mating season falls in the winter months.

It's a sight that will become more common the next few months! A Grandview Heights woman snapped a photo that shows a coyote sitting in her neighbor's driveway.https://t.co/1wh9sjGcHG

— Alexis Moberger (@alexiswsyx6) December 18, 2019

Original Site Here: Coyote Populations Increasing In Ohio Cities

source https://critterdetective.com/coyote-populations-increasing-in-ohio-cities/

Coyotes: Are They In Your Area?

Be vigilant for the nuisance animal

A local Ohio woman says her small dog was attacked by two coyotes in her own backyard recently. A wildlife expert from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources says that coyotes in this area are not uncommon but an attack on pets is pretty rare. Coyotes are most active during dusk and dawn, but there are things that will help keep them away, such as not leaving pet food in your yard. Local officials have offered tips on what to do should you encounter a coyote.

There have also been several coyote sightings in other Ohio neighborhoods. Although, there have been no reported issues due to the animal. All 88 Ohio counties have coyotes and that includes every city, suburb and rural area. Coyotes pose a very small threat to humans, but there are things you can do to make them feel uncomfortable and not want to come back into your yard or street.

For information on coyote control and removal, visit Critter Detective.

Coyotes attack small dog in Beavercreek

A woman said two coyotes went after her small dog in their yard in Beavercreek.

The Yorkshire terrier survived, but now Meeko is recovering from deep cuts and missing patches of fur after the incident.

“All we did was turn around for 60 seconds and the next thing we knew Meeko had just come sprinting up the back patio and slammed into the back door and was just crying,” her owner Meghan McKinney said. “She has two bite marks, one on the front half of her, one on the back half of her” in addition to a scratch on her back. Read more

Summary: A local woman in Beavercreek said two coyotes attacked her small dog recently. The dog was in her backyard when the coyotes approached it and started attacking.

Coyote spottings reported

There have been several coyote spottings in the Grandview Heights, Marble Cliff area recently.

There have been no reported issues with the coyote(s), and wildlife experts say this is normal.

“All 88 counties in Ohio have [coyotes], and pretty much every city, suburb, all those particular places have coyotes in them as well,” explained Franklin County State Wildlife Officer Brad Kiger. Learn more

Summary: Coyotes have been spotted recently in a few Ohio neighborhoods. No reported issues have come from the animal but officials urge residents to be vigilant and protect their pets.

Read More Here: Coyotes: Are They In Your Area?

source https://critterdetective.com/coyotes-are-they-in-your-area/

Skunk Mating Season in Ohio

You might be seeing more of the striped critters

Its officially skunk mating season in Ohio. The season starts in mid-February and continues through the month of March. Skunk sightings will likely increase throughout the state and may cause issues for residents. Striped skunks are native to Ohio and are very adaptable, becoming used to humans and their trash, food, pet food and other things. The gestation period for female skunks is about two months and they can give birth to two or up to ten babies at one time.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources wants to begin charging residents for permits to shoot coyotes. The permits would cost $15 each and be required if you plan to hunt and kill the wolf-like animals. The ODNR would officially classify coyotes as a fur bearer and game animal and require hunters to purchase a fur taker permit. The coyote is not native to Ohio and made its way into the Buckeye State in the late 1970’s.

For tips on animal removal, visit Critter Detective.

It’s skunk mating season in Ohio

Breeding season for striped skunks in Ohio begins in mid-February and continues through March. This means skunk sightings will be on the rise across the Buckeye State as the critters roam about looking for love.

Officials with the Ohio Department of Wildlife said the active critters could stir up trouble in residential areas, particularly around pets. Striped skunks are very adaptable and can become habituated to humans and their trash, pet food and other sources of food, officials said. Read more

Summary: Its officially skunk mating season in Ohio. The season starts in mid-February and continues through the month of March. Skunk sightings will likely increase throughout the state and may cause issues for residents.

ODNR proposes permit to shoot coyotes

In perhaps their most brazen move to date the Ohio Division of Wildlife now wants to charge you $15 to shoot a coyote. What some have claimed as a blatant grab for your wallet, ODNR now wants to establish the coyote as a game animal and fur bearer and require hunters to purchase a fur taker permit before you can legally take a pot shot at a passing coyote, even if it is chasing a deer or the neighbor’s cat.

See more

Summary: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources wants to begin charging residents for permits to shoot coyotes. The permits would cost $15 each.

ODNR proposes permit to shoot coyotes: https://t.co/pIN6u7CTb1#finfeatherfuroutfitters #hunting #fishing #camping #hiking #predators #outdoors #wildlife #ODNR

— Fin Feather Fur Outfitters (@FinFeatherFur1) February 11, 2020

Read More Here: Skunk Mating Season in Ohio

source https://critterdetective.com/skunk-mating-season-in-ohio/

Skunks Of Ohio

Facts and tips on trapping

Skunks are one of the most prevalent animals that can be seen in various parts of the United States. The only skunk species that is native to Ohio is the striped skunk, perhaps the most recognizable of the species. The state has laws against trapping and relocating in place to protect the animals. In Ohio, it is illegal to relocate a trapped skunk. Relocated wild animals oftentimes do not survive in their new surroundings. It is important to know the regulations in terms of what you can and cannot do with wild animals you may find on your property.

Skunks are often looked at as nuisance animals but are actually a very fascinating animal that is crucial to our ecosystem. Many people know that skunks carry a smelly substance that they spray when they feel threatened. This spray is stored in their anal glands and they carry enough to spray up to eight times. They need about a week to resupply after the oily substance is depleted. Another fact few people know about them is that skunks are immune to snake venom. So a bite from a snake is no problem for them.

For information about skunks and proper handling, check out Critter Detective.

Helping Wildlife – Skunks

Skunks have a noxious-smelling spray that they use to defend themselves, but they can’t “re-load” quickly, so they will not spray unless they feel threatened.  Before spraying, they will stamp their front feet as a warning, giving you ample opportunity to back-off.

Skunks are extremely beneficial creatures, and their important ecological role is often overlooked due to the fear of being sprayed.  They provide free pest control by eating unwanted garden and home invaders, such as bugs, mice and baby rats. In Ohio it is illegal to relocate trapped skunks. Learn more

Summary: The only skunk species that is native to Ohio is the striped skunk, perhaps the most recognizable of the species. The state has laws against trapping and relocating in place to protect the animals.

Amazing Facts About Skunks

The oily liquid that skunks produce is used as a powerful predator-deterrent which causes no real damage to its victims.

Skunks have two anal glands that carry the spray material. These glands carry limited amount, enough to spray 5 to 8 times. Skunks spray sparingly as they sometimes need over a week to reload the glands. See more

Summary: Many people know that skunks carry a smelly substance that they spray when they feel threatened. This spray is stored in their anal glands and they carry enough to spray up to eight times. They need about a week to resupply after the oily substance is depleted.

Post Source Here: Skunks Of Ohio

source https://critterdetective.com/skunks-of-ohio/

Skunks: What To Do During an Encounter

Facts and information about skunks

Skunks are one of the most abundant animals throughout the United States. They can be found in every county in Ohio, however, they are mostly located in rural areas. They are rarely seen in urban locations, so run-ins with the furry little creatures are fairly rare. Skunks are known for the ability to release a foul-smelling odor if they feel threatened and can spray with amazing accuracy from up to 15 feet away.

The Humane Society of America release information on what to do should you run into a skunk in the wild or in your back yard. Getting sprayed by a skunk is rare, however, if you do get sprayed the smell can be overpowering and cause discomfort if the substance should get into your eyes. Skunks use their powerful defense only when they or their young are threatened and cannot escape. Even then, they give ample warning signs, stamping front feet, a raised tail, hissing, short forward charges and twisting their backside around towards you.

For more information on skunk control services, contact Critter Detective.

Skunk Information

Skunks are known to everyone by sight, smell, and reputation. They are found in every county of Ohio as well as throughout the United States. Pioneers found the striped skunk when they came to Ohio, although skunk numbers are far greater now. Skunks are most abundant in rural Ohio where there are farms with fencerows, forest edges and old fields. They are also found in urban areas. Skunks are known for their ability to spray musk when threatened. They can spray with great accuracy up to 15 feet. Read more..

Summary: Skunks are an abundant species throughout the United States. They are found in every county in Ohio, however, they are most abundant in rural areas and are rarely seen in urban areas. Skunks are generally harmless but will use their pungent spray as a defense if they feel threatened.

What to do about skunks

Skunks, easily identifiable by their characteristic black and white striping, are infamous for producing a foul odor when frightened. Although a skunk’s spray is known mostly for its robust smell, it can also cause intense discomfort if it gets into a person or animal’s eyes.

Fortunately, these mild-mannered creatures rarely use this potent defense, and provide quite a few benefits to the areas they inhabit.

In cases where eviction is necessary, a few mild harassment and deterrence techniques can help you humanely remove skunks while escaping smell-free. See more..

Summary: Run-ins with skunks are, thankfully, fairly rare. You are more likely to smell a skunk than to actually see one. If you should happen to encounter one, if they feel threatened, they may hit you with their odorous spray, which can cause discomfort if it gets into your eyes.

 

More Information Here: Skunks: What To Do During an Encounter

source https://critterdetective.com/skunks-what-to-do-during-an-encounter/

Rabid Raccoon In Ohio County

Police officer ran over animal with cruiser intentionally

A police officer in Ohio was under investigation last month for an incident involving a possible rabid raccoon. A video emerged showing the officer running over the raccoon with his police cruiser intentionally. The officer made a judgment call, officials said, running over the animal instead of shooting it. The video also shows the cruiser coming back a second time to run the animal over again.

The local residents are calling for some sort of action to be taken against the officer as it was seen as inhumane and not his place to take the animal out. The Shelby Police Department will use the incident as an opportunity for the department to grow and learn, said thew police chief.

For information on rabid raccoon removal, visit Critter Detective.

Police officer under investigation for euthanizing raccoon with vehicle

An investigation into possible wrong-doing has been opened at an Ohio police department after social media video shows an officer running over a raccoon in a police cruiser.

The Shelby Police Department said the incident is under investigation and vehicles will not be used to euthanize animals, effective immediately.

Video of the encounter is reportedly going around social media. Learn more

Summary: A police officer in Ohio was under investigation last month for an incident involving a possible rabid raccoon. Some are calling for the police officer to be fired for this "inhumane act."

Police chief says department will learn, change following raccoon incident

The Shelby Police Department will use the destruction of a raccoon as an opportunity for the department to grow and learn, Chief Lance Combs said at a mid-day press conference Friday.

A video recorded by a private citizen began floating around social media, showing a Shelby police officer driving his vehicle over an injured or potentially rabid raccoon. Read more

Summary: The police department where an officer ran over a rabid raccoon with his police cruiser is using the incident as a learning experience. Videos circulated showing the incident causing some concern amongst citizens.

 

Read More Here: Rabid Raccoon In Ohio County

source https://critterdetective.com/rabid-raccoon-in-ohio-county/

Living With Urban Coyotes

City attempts to calm fears of residents

Over the last few months, there have been increased sightings of coyotes in Hamilton County. Earlier this year, the Great Parks organization made it their mission to educate residents about the furry creatures. They put on a presentation called "How to Coexist with Urban Coyotes." The presentation went over the behavior and habits of coyotes in an effort to debunk myths and minimize public concern. Nature interpreters detailed ways people can coexist with these predators so that their presence benefits the ecosystem instead of causing issues with humans.

County officials were trying to calm fears of local residents through this initiative, stating that coyotes do not want to be around people just as much as we don't want them around. Although coyotes are noted as the top predator in the state of Ohio, they are reminding people that there are a few easy ways to minimize the risk to their pets and to their homes ands yards.

For information on safe coyote removal, visit Critter Detective.

Myths and misconceptions about urban coyotes

Increased coyote sightings throughout Hamilton County and a rising mixture of concern and curiosity inspired Great Parks' presentation called “How to Coexist with Urban Coyotes.”

Great Parks nature interpreters will present information and answer questions in four parks through the month of February, just in time for the coyote breeding season.

The presentations outline the behavior and habits of coyotes in an effort to debunk myths and ideally minimize public concern. Read more

Summary: Over the last few months, there have been increased sightings of coyotes in Hamilton County. Earlier this year, the Great Parks organization made it their mission to educate residents about the furry creatures.

How To Coexist With Urban Coyotes

When coyotes start howling, their cacophonous calls may sound alarming to some people. However, the sporadic-sounding yelps are generally just canine chitchat.

The park district is on a mission to inform people coyotes aren't the threat some may believe.

"They don't want to be around people. They don't want to be in close proximity to people. Their natural instinct is to stay as far away from us as possible," Marczi says.

Coyotes are considered the top predator in Ohio, and they fall into what Marczi calls a "golden window" where they're just the right size to prey on smaller animals and some bigger animals like sick or injured deer. Learn more

Summary: Coyote sightings in urban areas have increased over the past year. Officials have been attempting to calm concerns of local residents.

Read More Here: Living With Urban Coyotes

source https://critterdetective.com/living-with-urban-coyotes/