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Posted on Mon, May 23, 2011 : 5:55 a.m.

Ann Arbor coyote sighting worries pet owner as experts prepare to start tracking them in region

By Tom Perkins

Early on May 10, Dee Gragg let her dog out for a few minutes as she does daily.

The Ann Arbor resident, who lives off Stone School Road between Eisnhower and Ellsworth roads, suddenly noticed something moving about 15 feet from her 4-pound teacup Yorkie — a coyote.

Gragg yelled at the coyote, which turned around and took a few steps in the other direction, but still kept its sights trained on the dog, Jewel.

Suddenly, Jewel charged the coyote. Gragg yelled at the dog to stop.

Jewel, who Gragg described as very obedient, immediately came over to the door, where Gragg swept her safely inside.

“She could have gotten swallowed up at anytime,” Gragg said. The coyote “had his stance and he was ready to pounce on her.”

A narrow tract of woods with a ravine running through it abuts the complex where Gragg lives. She said she was shocked to see a coyote in Ann Arbor, especially after living in rural Fowlerville for 20 years and never seeing one.

But a day later, her neighbor stopped her on the street and said he saw a coyote several feet from his back window on that same morning.

Now, when Gragg does let Jewel outside, she does so with a leash and a close eye on the 8-year-old dog.

051811_urban_coyote.JPG

Coyotes, like this one in Massachusetts, are common in suburban and urban areas but are timid and rarely bother pets, wildlife biologists say.

John Harrison | ProjectCoyote.org

“I’ve lived here for eight years, and four years ago I had deer in the backyard. I thought ‘Those are cool to watch’ but coyotes aren’t,” she said.

Holly Hadac, who works at the Michigan Friends of Wildlife and runs the Indiana Coyote Rescue Center, said coyotes are a misunderstood and timid animal.

She said she has gotten calls from residents in Ann Arbor about coyote sightings, but said there are precautions people can take against attracting them. A single family of coyotes have been known to inhabit up to 10 square miles of suburban land and were recently found with 4 square miles of territory inside Chicago city limits, she said.

The borders of their territory within a suburban area can be a treeline, a subdivision, a condo complex, a road or a river. Since coyotes patrol their territory’s boundaries nightly, she said, humans will see them if a border is a subdivision, for example.

Hadac said coyotes will typically run from a human.

“We have to remember that we are the top predator, and they are very timid animals,” she said.

051811_urban_coyote_2.JPG

A young coyote.

John Harrison | ProjectCoyote.org

She also said coyotes rarely eat domestic animals or human garbage, and that their main food sources are rodents, snakes, possums and other animals, which is a similar diet to a fox.

Hadac pointed to a recent study by Chicago scientist Stan Gehrt who, through Ohio State University, has been studying coyotes in Chicago and its suburbs.

A look at coyotes’ feces found that only 1 percent of the waste was composed of domesticated pets, while the remaining waste was made up of small animals such as rodents.

Gragg said the information didn’t make her feel any safer.

“I saw that coyote and it was ready to attack my dog — maybe not a person — my dog," she said. "The woods are right there, and even on the leash, I’m afraid to walk her near that. I have to be careful.”

Hadac said people can take precautions, such as not leaving out food for stray cats or other animals, keeping garbage inside and covering compost piles. Compost piles, she said, are essentially coyote magnets. Because the amount of food affects the size of a coyote's litter, the less humans leave out can potentially lead to fewer coyotes.

Last summer, when there were numerous coyote sightings in the Dicken Woods and Greenview Park areas, Jason Frenzel, volunteer and outreach coordinator with the city's Natural Area Preservation pointed out that coyotes can be beneficial in controlling rodent populations.

In an email to residents, he advised keeping small pets "leashed, under a watchful eye" and not to let them out when coyotes are most active during dawn and dusk.

Hadac said there's no information on how many coyotes are in the area because the population has not been tracked, but she is part of a program that will start tracking coyotes in the region this summer. She will speak at the Matthaei Botanical Garden on Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. about coyotes in urban areas. The talk is arranged by the Sierra Club.

Hadac said for more information on coyotes in urban environments, people can visit projectcoyote.org.

Tom Perkins is a freelance reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.

Comments

melissa

Mon, May 30, 2011 : 2:36 p.m.

The woods are "right there"? Well, since you took up residence in the coyotes territory you'll have to be a responsible pet owner and keep a close eye on your bait...er- dog.

Patrick Haggood

Wed, May 25, 2011 : 4:43 a.m.

How big is a coyote den? I've a REALLY large hole at the very back edge of my backyard.

nicole

Tue, May 24, 2011 : 2 a.m.

I feel sorry for the coyote, not that women's pampered, spoiled dog. Too bad the coyote didn't get the tasty little snack. She's the one encroaching on his territory after all. Geez, I think we need to worry more about small children here, don't you think? Enough about spoiled domestic pet already.

Jim Pryce

Tue, May 24, 2011 : 1:08 a.m.

The Coyotes follow the Deer. I believe Archery equipment could be discharged within the city limits. It is not a firearm. A firearm is an object that with explosive gasses sends a projectile through a metal tube. The Coyotes are usually timid, but lately have become more aggressive. There was a story not to long ago about a homeowner in Canton, MI who had one run up & tear his pant leg while he was closing his garage door. In Superior Twp. I'll just shoot"em. I know last Spring while Turkey hunting Dading saw them on the property.

Ricebrnr

Tue, May 24, 2011 : 4:23 p.m.

Why does everyone keep neglecting; "or with the protection of person or property when confronted with deadly force. "

dading dont delete me bro

Tue, May 24, 2011 : 1:37 p.m.

@ JimPryce, you are correct. @Epengar, "...I'm pretty sure this is common for cities and towns." answer: no, only in ann arbor.

Epengar

Tue, May 24, 2011 : 6:05 a.m.

You're mistaken about about shooting arrows in the city of Ann Arbor. The city ordinance rules out lots of projectile weapons: From the City Code: 9:261. - Definitions. The following definitions shall apply for purposes of this chapter: (2)Firearm means any pistol, rifle, shotgun, short barrelled shot gun or short barrelled rifle as defined in P.A. 1931, No. 328 as amended being Section 750.222 of Michigan Compiled Laws Section 750.222. [snip] (7)Weapon means any air pistol, air rifle, slingshot, crossbow, bow, firebomb, bomb, nun-chuk, or throwing star, but shall not include antique guns not in operating condition. 9:263. - Discharge of weapons. No person shall discharge any weapon or firearm within the city except in connection with a regularly scheduled educational, recreational, or training program under adequate supervision, or in connection with the performance of lawful duties of law enforcement, or with the protection of person or property when confronted with deadly force. I'm pretty sure this is common for cities and towns.

Jack

Tue, May 24, 2011 : 4:36 a.m.

Bows and arrow discharge are not allowed within City limits.

Jim Burdelski

Tue, May 24, 2011 : 1:02 a.m.

Put up a coyote fence. Jim Burdelski Santa Fe, New Mexico

Turd Ferguson

Tue, May 24, 2011 : 12:51 a.m.

"...as experts prepare to start tracking them in region" WHy do we need experts to start tracking them? As a hunter, I've seen them in the region for years. The area woodlands are a smorgasboard for these dogs. Pheasant, turkey, chickens, small dogs, deer, road runners, mmmm.

eastsider2

Tue, May 24, 2011 : 12:19 a.m.

Spotted one in the Buhr park area two weeks ago...

James J. Gould

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 10:59 p.m.

I'll try this again. I thought there was a bounty on coyotes ? They are varmits and should be treated as such. They kill all the small animals and have even attacked deer in hunter pacs. I hear them attacking the geese in my swamplands and all the wild turkeys that have been in my woods. Pheasants are totally gone now because of these varmits.

John B.

Wed, May 25, 2011 : 3:11 a.m.

Dude, the pheasants are (mostly) gone because of overhunting by man!

free form

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 11:28 p.m.

Yes, coyotes eat small animals. So do most humans, so I'm not sure why you think this makes them "varmits." Do you mean vermin or varmints? Because coyotes are not those either... No, there is no bounty on coyotes. No, they are not attacking deer in hunter packs. Yes, they might be eating some birds or your property. It is called the circle of life. It would serve you well to actually read all of the posts above...

jjc155

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 11:19 p.m.

Nope no bounty in Michigan (I believe currently the only bounties in michigan are on rats, starlings, english sparrows and crows, but not posive about those). As I recall there used to be but this was decades again. From talking to one of my buddies dad it was maybe $5 per coyote (?). I think the reason they stopped was because they became over hunted, nearly extinct and the bounty encouraged poor hunting/trapping practices by some. As for them killing other animals, thats what they do. I see pheasants quite often in Washtenaw county, so they are not all gone and I see wild turkey on nearly a daily basis. Like I said in one of my other posts I spend 50-75 days afield per year hunting (actually including coyote hunting,LOL ) and the most adult coyotes that I have ever seen together were 2 and this was during their breeding time so I am guess it was a male and female. have any links to coyotes hunting in packs and killing HEALTHY deer? I could care less and actually think it is great if they thin out the weak and infirm from the herd.

jjc155

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 10:47 p.m.

For all those who are scared of coyotes, here is a link (from what appears to be a creditble source) on coyote attacked on adults and children in the US. While they do occur this is very very rare. In California (pop37,319,423 in 2011) the last person to have been killed by a coyote attack was back in/around 1980 and in the state alone they experience roughly ONE coyote vs human bite per year. By shear size of the land mass they have more coyotes than Michigan and have about 4 times as many people, so Granted a 4lbs "toy"/lap dog would make a very nice meal for a yote, that is NOT the yote's fault, LOL, a coyote getting a meal from a dog or cat (or any other animal for that manner) is what they do and how they survive.

jjc155

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 11:07 p.m.

opps forgot the link <a href="http://tchester.org/sgm/lists/coyote_attacks.html" rel='nofollow'>http://tchester.org/sgm/lists/coyote_attacks.html</a>

shrewdrealist

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 10:10 p.m.

I see at least 2 coyotes a year in Washtenaw county. It's common to hear them at night. I saw a mountain lion a couple weeks ago west of town near Saginaw Woods. Wherever there is deer there will be Coyotes, Large cats, and Humans to eat them.

shrewdrealist

Tue, May 24, 2011 : 8:33 p.m.

jjc155, Read some of your other posts... looks like you're not afraid of the wilderness! Last winter I saw between 75-100 turkey in the field at at the NE corner of Stein and Maple road. Never seen that many before. I wouldn't be surprised if a cougar was tracking them. Most of the coyotes I've seen are also in that area north of town. My neighbor saw one of those Russian Boars and I head a couple days later someone picked it off...Which got me thinking how awesome it would be to see a cougar do an ambush insta-kill on a wild boar. LOL What would be the chances on seeing something like that happening?

shrewdrealist

Tue, May 24, 2011 : 8:10 p.m.

jjc155, It was approx. 1/2 mile NW of the NW corner of Saginaw woods in the woods off of Park road East of the swim club. I notified DNR not expecting them to reply and in turn received no feedback. All you have to know is they exist and they do not want to be seen at all,period.

jjc155

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 10:54 p.m.

Like Saginaw Forrest, part of U of M?Off Liberty Road? if so did you report it to the DNR? Pretty sure they would be interested in that. While they have confirmed a VERY small cougar pop in michigan (via DNA from feces) I bet they would like to hear about your sighting. Bobcats have a pretty good population in Michigan, Cougars/Mountain lions, not so much.

Christy Summerfield

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 8:46 p.m.

Yes, we are on the coyote's land. I have seen coyotes in the little wooded area behind my house. I cannot sympathize with people who let their dogs out in an unfenced yard. There is a leash law in Ann Arbor. I'm so tired of my own neighbors thinking the law is for everyone but them so I fear dogs running loose when I'm walking my own dogs far more than I fear any coyote. I've had a dog attacked and nearly killed by a neighborhood dog. Never had any trouble with a coyote. And cats are not allowed to run free within the Ann Arbor city limits either. So, the problem isn't the coyotes, it's the irresponsible pet owners.

John B.

Wed, May 25, 2011 : 3:05 a.m.

... and they don't 'gang up on deer,' as they are solitary hunters. Folks, if coyotes scare you, just stay indoors and watch Fox News. Problem solved.

jjc155

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 10:55 p.m.

Nope no bounty any more (used to be long time ago)

James J. Gould

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 9:48 p.m.

I thought there was a bounty on these varmits. They kill every small animal in sight and gang up on deer to kill them.

tim

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 8:41 p.m.

Apparently some folks didn't like the fact that I referenced Fox new when stating the fact that coyotes will attack humans on occasion ( particularly small children ) so I'm providing a more reputable- National Geographic -news.nationalgeographic.com/.../0607_050607_coyotes_2.html

John B.

Wed, May 25, 2011 : 3 a.m.

Yes, and your child is STILL more likely to get hit by a meteor than killed by a coyote. What's your point?

Elaine F. Owsley

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 8:37 p.m.

We have had them occasionally wander through our neighborhood here above Huron River Drive, but they always seem intent on going about their own business and not very interested in what we are doing. Of course the neighbor who keeps chickens, a goose, and the occasional duckling has found the situation a bit different, but then, he set the table for the coyote's dinner and the guest was happy to dine.

BioWheels

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 7:24 p.m.

We see coyote's all the time near Bird Hills. They run away when we walk outside. One likes to sleep on our hill. No real worries about them.

Tom Wilkinson

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 7:10 p.m.

Maybe the coyote could come over to the north side of town. There are a few lapdogs around here that wouldn't be missed.

sun runner

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 10:50 p.m.

I think you mean yapdogs...

Dennis

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 6:53 p.m.

This is news? I have been seeing Coyotes run across Carpenter rd. south of Ellsworth for the last few years. Unless you are leaving your pug (or any other small dog) in an open yard for hours at night it will never be a problem. There is a reason the Coyote population has been up the last few years, it is a result of the explosions in small mammal, deer and geese populations. Heck if they can thin out the geese a little I am all for the coyotes.

Mr. Tibbs

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 6:50 p.m.

beautiful animals with an animla instinct which is why you cannot even be considered by MSU's veterenary program without a couple of years experience with some sort of animal husbandry. Watching wild animals catch and eat prey is anything but beautiful, unless of course you understand eating said prey is going to involve &quot;it&quot; trying to stop you from eating &quot;it&quot; and take as much of you from it as it can. I have seen them take down small dear, and it isn't beautiful. I have seen hawks catch and eat rabbits....alive. i myself have been stalked by a bear. And this business of being on top of the food chain, beyond the tools we have managed to come up with, isn't necessarily so! OK nature in all of its grandure is beautiful, but as with all things, there is another side of the coin. What can a small child do when faced with 5 or 6 coyotes? Coyotes are pack animals. They hunt in very organized packs and the calling you hear from them ast night is communication so they know what the next move is to close the circle in on their intended &quot;meal&quot;. and we have all heard the stories about lions and tigers elsewhere in the world that have discovered that humans are by and large toothless, clawless, stingless and quite tasty, and we do not run very fast at all.....oh but that would never happen here. I guess the guy who thought he could fit in with the bears my have something else to say today, if he wasn't eaten. Ok coyotes are NOT bears, not tigers or lions...oh my, but they are carnivore, and they EAT anything they can catch, think they can catch, or cause enough damage to it so they can catch &quot;it&quot; at a later date. and how old are your children at the bus stops? and now they are loosing their fear, the very natural fear of humans....what is the next &quot;natural&quot; progression of loosing the fear? finding out what it does to defend itself, and what does &quot;it&quot; taste like....

Jack

Tue, May 24, 2011 : 4:31 a.m.

Coyotes are indeed pack animals. But they don't hunt in packs. They hunt either in pairs or singularly. Why the fear mongering? You treat a coyote as you would any wild predator. But you don't kill it simply because it is trying to survive. You're careful and you take precautions.

RunsWithScissors

Tue, May 24, 2011 : 1:41 a.m.

Lions and tigers and coyotes, oh my!

jjc155

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 11:03 p.m.

Huh, I hunt and/or spend 50-75 days a year in the woods and have for the better part of 20 years and the most adult coyotes that I have ever seen together at one time was exactly 2 and this includes both in washtenaw county and &quot;up north&quot; where there are many many more yotes. Oh and drawing a paralle between Lions/Tigers (particulary the man hunters that you mention) and coyotes is like saying Firecrackers and Thermo-nuclear weapons are the same because they both go &quot;bang.&quot; LOL

Freight Train

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 10:25 p.m.

Come on. Show me a reference to pack hunting coyotes attacking small children.

Arboriginal

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 8:50 p.m.

Coyotes are solitary hunters.

Bob

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 6:37 p.m.

This must be why our cat refuses to go outside!

HENRYK

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 6:17 p.m.

This coyote that is around Stone School RD. I see him like one time a month. He is looking for food of course so watch your little pets .He is usually moving fast and does not really bother me at all. They are a very smart and adaptive animal. Very Smart !

Brown

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 5:53 p.m.

Two Sundays ago on the way to church I saw two coyotes standing nonchalantly in a field at the northwest corner of Miller and West Delhi in Scio Twp. I pulled into West Delhi even with them, and we just looked at each other. They got nervous and started to trot away. When I turned around they stopped again. My worship had begun, thanking God for his beautiful creation.

tim

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 4:28 p.m.

I'll try to post this again-- Don't allow coyotes to feel comfortable in your yard. Make them afraid, make loud noises, yell, light off firecrackers. Coyotes will eat your pets-- 1% times 365 = 3.65 cats or dogs a year as food for your friendly coyote. If there are 20 in Ann Arbor that's 3.56 x 20 =71.2 pets a year in Ann Arbor. Coyotes will also attack small ( especially if Mr coyote is sick) if you don't believe me just Google &quot;Coyote attacks in California &quot;. Check out this story <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,354988,00.html" rel='nofollow'>www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,354988,00.html</a>

John B.

Wed, May 25, 2011 : 2:54 a.m.

..and your child is far more likely to be hit by a meteor than attacked by a coyote. Your point?

tim

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 8:30 p.m.

Everything on fox is not a right wing conspiracy and everything on NPR is not some left wing conspiracy. Read the story . The truth is that coyotes will attack children on occasion - they're not trying to be mean just looking for an easy meal. Do your own research and you'll find out I'm right.

John B.

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 6:49 p.m.

Consider the source. Faux Noise wants you to be distracted from what really matters (and to be very, very afraid...). 'Nuff said.

Lola

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 4:16 p.m.

If you are not making it up then please cite a reference. I find that hard to believe. I personally welcome our rodent controlling overlords!

Lola

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 4:17 p.m.

The comment I was replying to was removed so now mine makes no sense.

Dog Guy

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 4:12 p.m.

Coyote are long-time natives a thousand miles west, but not around here. The first coyote I saw in Ann Arbor was at Maynard and Liberty over twenty years ago. The sighting surprised me. Apparently they are increasing their range now that there aren't any wolves in Washtenaw Co. Fifty years ago fox and hawk were extremely rare around here; farming and sheep kept down fieldmouse habitat. I credit coyote with our rapid decline in skunk the past two years. We may see a decline in car-deer crashes with a coyote reduction in &quot;white-tailed rats&quot;. While not traditional Washtenaw natives, coyote and their calls are welcome additions to our home. As for pet and feral dogs and cats, they bore with their ubiquity. Would that coyote would keep down the numbers of Prius and Greek fisherman caps as well.

Epengar

Tue, May 24, 2011 : 5:57 a.m.

Coyotes are native to the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, they were here when European settlers arrived. Probably because there were grasslands and oak savannahs across the southern portion of the peninsula. The settlers didn't always know the difference between coyotes and wolves, but archeological evidence and historical accounts of the behavior of what they called &quot;prairie wolves&quot; indicates that coyotes were here. This might have been one of the easternmost populations though. Coyotes have greatly expanded their range in eastern North America.

John B.

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 6:51 p.m.

Wouldn't that be 'Pri-i?'

dading dont delete me bro

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 3:33 p.m.

all this is it legal, is it illegal to discharge a weapon w/in the city limits. i tell you what, if it's illegal to discharge a firearm and a 'yote is threatening my kids or pet is being threatened guess what's going to happen...? bang

dading dont delete me bro

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 8:54 p.m.

here's your answer: &quot;...or with the protection of person or property when confronted with deadly force.&quot; bang

Epengar

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 8:31 p.m.

9:263. - Discharge of weapons. No person shall discharge any weapon or firearm within the city except in connection with a regularly scheduled educational, recreational, or training program under adequate supervision, or in connection with the performance of lawful duties of law enforcement, or with the protection of person or property when confronted with deadly force.

John B.

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 6:46 p.m.

Don't tell your 'rents about it.

sandy schopbach

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 2:57 p.m.

First of all, within Ann Arbor, dogs aren't supposed to be out without being on a leash. Personally, having been brought up with dogs in our family, I think that's unfair to the dogs. But it's a law, so the dog shouldn't just be let out of the house. Second, I'd be happy to have a coyote take care of the critters that are chewing up my deck, which is to say woodchucks, who - in answer to the proverbial question - can chuck a whole mess of wood! And there are plenty more rodents that could be reined in a bit, although I do enjoy watching squirrels. Maybe we could train the coyotes to dig up and eat moles? Lastly, I think that Ann Arbor, being rather green - which is a good thing - is a magnet for both coyotes and Canada geese. Our changing lifestyle has changed their lifestyle. By that I mean that feeding birds has convinced the geese to set up permanent residence instead of migrating south to find food. And that by composting to be ecological and to grow our own vegetables, we're evidently attracting coyotes. Brown bears would be next, but I think they'd have to travel quite a way to become our neighbors.

EyeHeartA2

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 2:57 p.m.

&quot;A look at coyotes' feces found that only 1 percent of the waste was composed of domesticated pets, while the remaining waste was made up of small animals such as rodents. &quot; Remember all those comments about the Pioneer kids that &quot;fouled&quot; the athletic fields of Huron never amounting to anything? Well, here's a job I think they have the aptitude for: &quot;Coyote Feces Inspector&quot;. I have to believe there are openings.

15crown00

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 2:52 p.m.

mini dogs and full sized coyotes don't mix.protect your pets.

lumberg48108

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 2:27 p.m.

I was visiting family in the suburbs over the weekend; my mom was so thrilled they had a duck in their small pond and she saw a dear last week ... I smiled we live in Washtenaw county - the benefits of living here is sharing the space with these incredible animals and sharing open space i enjoy them and they rarely bother people ... its a delicate balance we have much more to fear from domestic animals (pit bulls etc ) with bad owners than from wildlife

djacks24

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 3:09 p.m.

Oh heaven forbid folks may have to actually get off the couch and watch their toy dogs when they let them outside. At least coyotes serve a beneficial service to the environment to where toy dogs are a result of toying with nature for the sole purpose of creating a novelty pet whose only service to the environment is fertilizing parts of the lawn.

Lynn Liston

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 2:22 p.m.

We've had them in Scio Township for years. I've occasionally heard them at night near our home in the Jackson-Zeeb area. I used to let my cats go outside in the yard on tethers, but after hearing coyotes at night and also fighting off a red-tailed hawk that was trying to make off with one of them, decided that pet cats fall into the 'easy prey' category and they now watch the action from indoors. These wild animals were here before people, and they are clinging to a bit of their habitat. I say live and let live, keep your beloved pets under close supervision and enjoy the presence of Nature's other children.

jns131

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 2:06 p.m.

We saw them over by Ann Arbors school buses. There are woods there and they do hide in there. Same with deer. I remember last year we couldn't back out because a deer got stuck in the lot. No big surprise here. We are in their neck of the woods and they are now looking to us to feed them. Same thing happened in California.

amlive

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 1:51 p.m.

I found an active coyote den in Bird Hills this spring, about 20-30 yards off a main trail where people regularly run their dogs off leash. When I first found it it was certainly still in use, fresh digging tracks in the entrance, clear of leaves and debris, with a fair number of bones scattered around the entrance. I went back to it a few times over the following weeks and it seems to have since been abandoned, but if they did move I doubt they travelled far. I know coyotes are not a threat to anyone or their pets under most circumstances. In a place like this where people always run their dogs off leash though, I'm surprised none of them have stumbled upon a den and gotten curious enough to dig in to it and start a fight.

jns131

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 2:09 p.m.

A friend of ours was walking their dog in a park out in Colorado. He found a fresh bone carcass and 20 feet later? A huge black bear. Dog on leash, man with camera running the other way. Never got the pic. But what a fine. So, to me? No big surprise here.

Barb

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 1:44 p.m.

We've had multiple sightings in the Lansdowne 'hood as well (Scio Church and S.7th). They just trot down the street - and while there aren't a ton of cats that wander out neighborhood, those that we do have have been left alone.

Mary Dixon

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 1:40 p.m.

She didn't realize there were coyotes? Oh, honey. They're everywhere! This is most likely the South Swamp pack, which I named, which live in the quicksand swamps between Thomas Rd and Platt Rd. We have heard their cries for nearly 2 decades here (I live across Thomas Rd from their base). They like to use the dirt roads around here and often use the new trails of the Pittsfield Preserve, which we are on the edge of. We see them all the time and they leave my dogs alone (Australian Cattle Dogs, themselves descendants of wild Australian Dingoes). But they do stare at each other indignantly!

leaguebus

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 1:36 p.m.

It is illegal to discharge a firearm in the confines of the city.

Ricebrnr

Tue, May 24, 2011 : 4:29 p.m.

@ Nuxi: If you choose to and are qualified to carry a firearm then yes it would behoove one to also carry Pepper Spray to bridge the gap when force is intimated and/or does not reach the perceived threshold of &quot;deadly&quot;. @ Epengar: The pertinent section allowing discharge of a weapon in city limits is - &quot;or with the protection of person or property when confronted with deadly force.&quot;

Epengar

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 8:30 p.m.

Ann Arbor City Code: 9:263. - Discharge of weapons. No person shall discharge any weapon or firearm within the city except in connection with a regularly scheduled educational, recreational, or training program under adequate supervision, or in connection with the performance of lawful duties of law enforcement, or with the protection of person or property when confronted with deadly force.

NUXI

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 5:59 p.m.

I wouldn't even advise pepper spray unless you already happen to carry it. Make noise, stick out your arms and wave them around a little bit, and back away slowly while facing the predator. As for firearms, I'd be very worried about overpenetration with animals this small.

Ricebrnr

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 3:32 p.m.

Please cite the relevant statute that states this? Under Michigan law, any use of a firearm is an application of deadly force. Deadly force is legally permissible when it is proportional to the threat. Meaning, that deadly force may be used to prevent death, great bodily harm that could lead to death, or rape. It is entirely possible that an animal could do great bodily harm that could lead to death. So, it is possible that the use of a pistol against an attacking dog would be a justifiable use of force. Keep in mind that the circumstances would have to be such that you are in a place where you have a legal right to be, and that there is sufficient indication that your life is in danger when you fire. If you were to fire when the dog is too far away, or running away, or if you hit something other than the dog, or the dog is a toy poodle, you might face serious legal consequences. The key is that any use of force must be reasonable under the circumstances. I admire your restraint and think that the policy of not using our pistols unless we absolutely have to is the wise course of action. However, there is another statute which states that &quot;willfully and maliciously killing or injuring animals&quot; is a felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison. The practical advice given last week remains unchanged. Only use your pistol if you have to. If you or someone else is in danger of attack by an animal, use your pistol or other firearm to defend yourself and your loved ones. <a href="http://www.mcrgo.org/mcrgo/d_ccwfaq.asp" rel='nofollow'>http://www.mcrgo.org/mcrgo/d_ccwfaq.asp</a> Still for animals I would recommend OC spray first unless the threat is imminent.

jjc155

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 1:58 p.m.

I would summize however that if you (or anyother person) are in legitimate articulatable danger you would be fine. Your right to self defense does not end because it is a 4 legged animal instead of a 2 legged animal. Now I would not be cranking round off at the coyote down the street, but if it is in your yard menacning you (which BTW is HIGHLY unlikely with a coyote, unless they have some kind of medical problem) you would be good to go. I like that fact that we have yote's around where I live (S/e Ypsi twp). I havent seen a skunk in our area in over 10 years and very very few possums or raccoons getting in to our garbage so they do have many more positive than negatives in my mind.

AT

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 1:34 p.m.

There have been coyotes around that area for awhile. I saw one last summer in the area by Partridge path.

Dan Darbor

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 1:29 p.m.

The kids are going to be heartbroken when I tell them it is no longer safe to walk Sammy the Hamster with these killers on the loose. On the bright side it should be a financial windfall for Acme Mercantile's mail order business!

jns131

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 2:10 p.m.

Don't forget the road runner. He has been giving that coyote a run for his money for years.

Emma B

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 1:22 p.m.

My parent's house is on the M-52 end of Scio Church-- we had outdoor cats for about five years that just roamed free. We heard the coyotes at night so I know they were around, but they didn't mess with our cats and our cats didn't mess with them. I wouldn't be too worried.

outdoor6709

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 10:42 p.m.

My outdoor cats have adapted. They now sleep on the roof and tops of the cars.

Arboriginal

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 1:07 p.m.

Worried about coyotes? I guess I should tell you about the cougars. That'll take your mind off coyotes for a spell!!

shrewdrealist

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 10:12 p.m.

Saw one near Saginaw woods a couple weeks ago.

EyeHeartA2

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 4:48 p.m.

&quot;I guess I should tell you about the cougars.&quot; Yep, they'll break your heart. Every time.

gretta1

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 1:01 p.m.

Predators are a natural element in any habitat. There are a lot of rabbits and other small wild mammals around here. I've seen a dog go after small deer so I wouldn't think it beyond the capabilities of a coyote to do the same. The coyotes are not interested in harming people. There is also the element of life as risk. Living is risky. If a person is nervous about having a small dog in a wooded environment, perhaps it would be best to walk the dog on sidewalks or to live in a more urban setting. The coyotes are not unnatural, nor are they evil. Also, I happen to love hearing them howl and wish I heard that in my neighborhood.

Roy Munson

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 12:58 p.m.

Maybe this isn't so bad. Since the ridiculous high taxes that people pay in AA isn't enough to have an animal control department , maybe the Coyotes can take care of the raccoons and other pests in the city. Just call it outsourcing.

BHarding

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 12:54 p.m.

@winner If the wild animal can't get out of your backyard, for whatever reason, there are agencies you can call to have it removed. If it keeps returning, there are repellants and other tricks to discourage it. Please teach your children to stay away from wild animals. If you think there's an immediate danger, grab your kid! Wouldn't hurt to have a little pepper spray on hand if you think you've got a deranged animal there, but call the experts, too.

ummsw

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 12:48 p.m.

Actually a couple of years ago I saw what I thought was a fox running through Buhr PARK (near Cobblestone Farm) I called the city, they were totally dismissive and not interested.

treetowncartel

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 6:18 p.m.

I've seen foxes at the County Farm Park, and a few up by the Buhr park pool too.

jjc155

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 2:12 p.m.

exactly what did you want the city to do? I would have counted myself lucky in that I got to see a fox (they are beautiful and love to watch them in the woods while I am hunting).

sweet_life

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 1:54 p.m.

What exactly were you expecting them to do?

Top Cat

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 12:36 p.m.

Wait until the black bears show up.

ViSHa

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 12:32 p.m.

It's good to know they are taking care of the snake, rodent, etc...population, but i still hate hearing the horrible howling they do at night. It sounds like they are tearing up some poor animal.

Forever27

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 12:30 p.m.

Coyote sightings in this area aren't uncommon. In any wooded area on the outskirts of town you'll find traces of coyotes. I've even seen them walking along the railroad by Madison and Main st. right downtown. They're usually pretty good at staying out of sight, but inevitably humans and coyotes will cross paths.

dfossil

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 12:24 p.m.

Coyotes have been all over the south Ann Arbor area for years! If this lady has lived any length of time on Stone School she should have seen these before. I have watched coyotes playing on the grounds of several of the small businesses on Ellsworth while sitting in rush hour traffic. Two years ago one was killed at Ann Arbor-Saline Road exit on I-94 and I have seen dead ones on I-94 between here and Jackson. There are deer in this area too, right now. Discgolfgeek is correct however, they weren't &quot;native&quot; to this area but that was due to wolves who are aggressive predators of coyotes. Once we killed off the wolves, the coyotes started to slide in and replace them as a killer of small &quot;vermin&quot; like rodents, squirrels, rabbits and hedgehogs as well as roadkill. They are an effective roadway cleanup squad and they have been steadily moving eastward. There is some question as to whether they are even &quot;pure&quot; coyotes but rather hybrids of dog and coyotes. Dogs come into season and can breed twice a year but the coyote had only one litter, now, due to cross breeding with dogs, coyotes are breeding more often. So dog owners; don't just keep you dogs leashed and under your control, but get them spayed or neutered! CAT OWNERS; Listen up! Kitty makes a good coyote snack so stop letting your cats out if you want them back. There has been noticeably fewer stay cats in the south Ann Arbor area! Of course, that can be foxes too.

winner

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 12:20 p.m.

I hope I don't get deleted. this is a serious question. If a Coyote or other wild animal is in your yard and you feel your small child or pet is unsafe (in danger of being attacked), is it illegal to injure or kill the animal?

Forever27

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 6:26 p.m.

wow, judging by the other responses to your innocent question, people are really upset that we here in ann arbor don't allow you to shoot your gun with so many people nearby. We also don't want to you be a sociopath who tortures animals. I know, what a crazy city!

John B.

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 6:14 p.m.

&quot;You just have to deal with dangerous animals around here and hope that they don't attack you, your animals, or destroy your property. And while you are are it, you can provide free health care to these poor animals.&quot; Um, like what wild animal in or around Ann Arbor is dangerous? A skunk? An opossum? A really overweight squirrel? Maybe a feral pig, I suppose....

Roy Munson

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 5:29 p.m.

Judges are the ones who ulitmately enforce the laws. Good luck with them. Cops aren't tree huggers. I'll give you that. They are too busy writing tickets to hug trees.

Ricebrnr

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 4:51 p.m.

Stopping the attack of an animal on yourself or another person does not count as inflicting cruelty upon that animal. The statute does not apply to self defense. See the info and link I posted earlier below. And also to add to another earlier comment. Tree huggers don't enforce the laws. The police do and every one I've met so far more than understands a person's inherent right to self defense.

Roy Munson

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 3:37 p.m.

I think you would have the book thrown at you under city ordinance 9:35. You would probably also have a daily protest of weirdos on your front lawn every day for a month. No person shall torture, torment, cruelly beat, cruelly kill, or otherwise inflicty any cruelity on any animal or bird. You just have to deal with dangerous animals around here and hope that they don't attack you, your animals, or destroy your property. And while you are are it, you can provide free health care to these poor animals.

Ricebrnr

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 3:22 p.m.

@ Forever, You have the right to defend yourself, even in the city limits. It won't come to that though as with other animals in town, harsh words will do...right?

Roy Munson

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 1:01 p.m.

Be carerul with that one in this city where treehuggers make and enforce the laws.

Forever27

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 12:46 p.m.

It depends on where you are. If you're within the city, I dont' think you can shoot a gun. Check the local governments for the rules on which methods are deemed acceptable before you assume you can shoot an animal in your yard. As for being allowed to defend your family/property, yes you can. But it has to be within the realm of the rules set forth.

A2Realilty

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 12:37 p.m.

This is a great question. We had several coyote sightings in our neighborhood a few years back. We had a two-year-old at the time and were worried about letting him play in the yard. I can easily say that if my youngest had been threatened by a coyote that I would have put that coyote down.

dading dont delete me bro

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 12:34 p.m.

if you or your property are threatened or doing destruction to your property, you may shoot to kill that animal. ANY animal. you may find these rules on michigan dnr website. maybe someone will post a link before i find one.

The Picker

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 12:19 p.m.

Has there been an increase in the Roadrunner population in that area?

Bob

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 6:42 p.m.

Not anymore!

WalkingJoe

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 12:16 p.m.

I have walked my dogs at Lily Park on Ellsworth in Pittsfield Township and have seen coyotes numerous times and they always ignore us. Maybe because my dogs are 50+ lbs and there is plenty of rabbits and other small animals for them to hunt.

Wolf's Bane

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 11:47 a.m.

I'm actually very happy to hear about Coyotes in the Ann Arbor area. Maybe they'll take out some of the cotton tails, skunks, possums, and rats that have over run our A2 neighborhoods. Never mind, the one or two dogs that are never leashed. Welcome to Ann Arbor Coyotes! Please stay a while!

discgolfgeek

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 11:35 a.m.

While coyotes can &amp; do live throughout North America, I don't believe Michigan is part of their original stomping grounds.

DDOT1962

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 11:27 a.m.

Yes, we can protect our beloved cats, small dogs and road runners from Mr. Wile Y. Coyote. Just head down to the nearest ACME supply store for their latest explosive gadgetry. It doesn't take a SUPER-genius to outfox a coyote. Meep-meep!

golfer

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 10:59 a.m.

i saw one about a week or two ago. running down gralake towards lakewood school. boy are they fast.

Awakened

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 10:43 a.m.

We are in the coyotes natural habitat. Coyotes were hunted for decades as pests to protect small animals (like chickens and roadrunners). Then we decided they were in danger and we needed to protect them. Voila! Coyotes in their natural habitat again. They have actually been in the area for over a decade. I have seen them that long in the rural area of Superior Township. I do not worry about my dogs. If they were to wander into the territory of my African Ridgebacks, I'm sure I would find some remains. That is because I have dogs to help protect me and my family. Perhaps the problem is the choice of a microscopic canine. One must protect it from predators that could carry it off, like coyotes, or hawks, or big mosquitos....

Chip Reed

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 10:41 a.m.

Last week at Emerson School, some parents were concerned when a little fox was seen near the playground. I asked my boss what the parents would do if they realized how many coyotes there are around here.

Jafo04

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 12:16 p.m.

and ?

dading dont delete me bro

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 10:38 a.m.

&quot;...In an email to residents, he advised keeping small pets &quot;leashed, under a watchful eye&quot;...&quot; = fail makes your small pet an easy catch.

tom swift jr.

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 10:34 a.m.

Don't let your cat or dog outside in an unfenced yard while unleashed, problem solved. But, as a good pet owner, you're already doing that, right? The Coyotes have been here longer than we have, there is no reason to mess with them. They are beautiful animals. My Husky and I were walking at Hudson Mills a year ago, on a trail in a rather dense area, a Coyote burst out of the brush on the right hand side of the trail about 5 feet in front of us and proceeded across into the other side. Husky and I both stopped dead in our tracks, it took me a few seconds to realize what it was. Not expecting a Coyote my head wanted to tell me it was a small deer (I think those long legs sent that message), but, Coyote it was, it was the highlight of that summer's walks at Hudson Mills. Leave them alone folks, they are probably reducing the vermin population and, if you're responsible about not letting your pets out, will not harm you, your yorki, your kitty, or anything else .

EyeHeartA2

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 2:59 p.m.

&quot;Construct six-foot fences with extenders facing outward at the top of each post. (Extenders can be purchased from local fence dealers.) Install two or three stands of wire, extending out at an angle for about 14 inches, completely around fence.&quot; Then there must be coyotes in Detroit too. I see these types of fences there quite often.

mw

Mon, May 23, 2011 : 2:20 p.m.

&quot;Don't let your cat or dog outside in an unfenced yard while unleashed, problem solved.&quot; Not necessarily -- coyotes are very capable of getting over (or under) fences. Here's some advice for fences in Los Angeles county, where there are lots of coyotes: Construct six-foot fences with extenders facing outward at the top of each post. (Extenders can be purchased from local fence dealers.) Install two or three stands of wire, extending out at an angle for about 14 inches, completely around fence. This prevents the coyotes from easily climbing. All fences should have some sort of galvanized wire apron buried at least 4 to 6 inches in the ground, which extends out from the fence at least 15 to 20 inches. The apron should be securely attached to the bottom of the fence. Coyotes are very adept diggers and prefer to dig under fences rather than jump them. <a href="http://acwm.co.la.ca.us/scripts/coyo.htm" rel='nofollow'>http://acwm.co.la.ca.us/scripts/coyo.htm</a>