Coyotes in the parks

I hear there are coyotes in your parks. Where are they, and what should I know about them if I'm going to visit?

Coyotes have become more and more a natural part of Ohio’s wildlife ecology over the last few decades. What I can say about Geauga Park District is that we have done some basic calling surveys and camera surveys over the years and have documented them in every single park we have. They are very common (more common than many people probably realize) and serve an important role as a mid-sized (meso) predator.

I have spent many, many days working outside in the field (often in more remote areas of our parks) and have never had an issue with coyotes. I have run into these animals many times and they are usually just as startled as I am and very quickly run away (in the opposite direction) in order to avoid me. The only times that I know of that Geauga Park District has had human/coyote issues is when park patrons do not obey leash laws and let their pets wander to close to denning coyotes. Coyotes are great parents and will protect their pups and dens. The best advice I can give folks is to respect all wildlife (not just coyotes) in our parks by keeping their pets on a leash.

A lot of this is human perception also.  A coyote barking at someone or following them (at a distance) is just letting you know that you are in their territory and may be coming just a little too close to their home. They are certainly not stalking park visitors as prey. Coyotes are highly intelligent and fascinating animals which go completely unnoticed by most park patrons. For example, I vividly remember a few years ago watching one coyote in the middle of the day laying out in the sun (in a meadow) just 50 yards away from joggers, hikers, and walkers enjoy the sun too…none of these people knew that animal was there.

These animals are unfortunately very misunderstood and often portrayed as villains and something to be feared. I have found the opposite to be true. Most coyotes desperately wish to avoid humans and often adjust their behavior in order to do so. My hope for coyotes is that people who hear them howling, barking, and yipping at night become intrigued and fascinated by these largely secretive creatures which play an important role in Ohio’s new natural history. If people educate themselves about these animals many potential real and perceived (by humans) problems will be avoided. Education is the key.

-Park Biologist Paul Pira