Batavia Area Sees Uptick In Coyote and Fox Sightings
If you are on social media you no doubt have seen posts of people concerned about the increase in coyote and fox sightings in Batavia. Many speculate the increase in sightings to factors such as urbanization, depletion of green spaces, and scarcity in food sources.
Mary Richardson in the Shayler neighborhood stated on Facebook, “I hate to admit that all of these coyote photos and videos have me petrified to take my dog outside during the day OR night.”
Tim Andrews in the Clough Pike area claims his neighborhood is constantly being visited by coyotes and foxes, “These new subdivisions going up everywhere are tearing down the woods and sending them (coyotes and foxes) into our neighborhood.”
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources writes on their website: “If the coyote visiting your yard seems to lack a fear of humans or is presenting a conflict even after removing attractants from your yard, contact a nuisance trapper.”
Ryan Ridgley, Founder of Huntsman Wildlife, runs a nuisance wildlife and rodent control company that operates in the Batavia area. He says he receives numerous calls in January and February about coyotes and foxes. “We tell every one of our neighbors that calls us that we are absolutely willing to help keep their pets and families safe, but it is a joint effort. We need our clients to understand WHY the coyotes and foxes are visiting their yard and what the property owners can do to keep them away.”
Ridgley presents twice a year workshops on predator canines in our community at his offices in Batavia, Ohio. The seminars are rooted in the basic principles of 5 simple things you can do to keep those you love and your pets safe.
Before you let your pets outside during dark hours, turn on your outside light two of three minutes beforehand. The coyotes and foxes are startled by the sudden illumination and will likely scatter.
When outside with small pets and young children, make sure an adult is present. An adult human is a threat to a 35 pound coyote and they know it.
If a predator canine approaches, do not turn and run. Instead get “big” and get “loud”. Raise your arms, clap, yell, whistle, or jump around. This will haze the animal and make it uncomfortable causing it to retreat.
Bring in pet food when not being consumed. Do not leave pet food out unattended as that food attractant may lure the animals closer to your home.
Keep brush piles away from home and keep grasses short. If a predator canine has to be in the open and defenseless in order to reach your yard it is unlikely to be willing to give up the safety of tall grasses and brush for concealment.
Ridgley states, “Following those five tips are the foundation to keeping your family and your pets safe.”
If readers want more information on coyotes and foxes in their neighborhood, Ridgley recommends reaching out to your county ODNR officer or attending one of Huntsman Wildlife’s free community workshops. You can find an up to date schedule of upcoming workshops at huntsmanwildlife.com/events.