Indiana DNR: Winter Coyote Sightings No Cause For Alarm

The DNR is passing along some helpful tips to prevent coyotes from being a problem.

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(Indianapolis, Ind.) -  As the winter season progresses, Hoosiers may begin seeing more coyotes.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is reminding Hoosiers that coyotes become more active during the winter months, which will increase the likelihood that a coyote encounter may happen over the next few months.

According to the Indiana DNR, younger coyotes are seeking a new home. While others are looking to breed, making them more active.

Coyotes are seen more around homes and yards due to the abundance of food options. Their diets include rabbits, mice, squirrels, and fruit.

Coyotes are common throughout the state, so seeing one is not a cause for concern.

Indiana DNR has released the following helpful tips to prevent problems with coyotes:

• Keep garbage secure
• Clean up fallen fruit from trees or gardens
• Takedown bird feeders, if you see a coyote around your yard; they could be attracted to the rodents eating the seeds
• Never intentionally feed a coyote; it could lose its fear of people

If you see a coyote, try to make it uncomfortable:

• Wave your arms
• Yell
• Spay it with a hose
• Carry a jar of coins or small air horn to make noise
• Throw tennis balls or small stones, but don’t through anything that could be food, such as apples

Making a coyote feel unwelcome around people can help it maintain its natural fear of humans. The DNR stated to never corner or chase a coyote as they should always have a clear path to escape and get away from you. Make sure to keep pets leashed, in a kennel with a secure top, or indoors to reduce the possibility of a negative interaction with any wildlife, including coyotes.