A new study from researchers at Wayne State University will track coyotes in southeast Michigan. The study is meant to fill a gap on information about coyotes that live in highly populated areas.
Bill Dodge is the graduate student in charge of the project. He says reports of coyotes attacking pets are rare:
It kind of gets blown out of proportion. I think if we provide people with more scientifically based information, then, you know, it should help with management of coyotes and those conflicts with humans.
Coyotes are native to Michigan and Dodge says his research team has found coyotes in places like Dearborn and Detroit. Spring is a common time to see coyotes because they are mating.
Holly Hadac is a volunteer with the research team. She says people are often ignorant about coyotes:
“We cannot intentionally or unintentionally feed coyotes unless we want them at our back doors. And, one thing that people don’t realize is that a big source of food for them, are compost piles. And so our compost piles should be secure.”
She said coyotes are generally timid animals.
Dodge and his team will begin their project at the end of June.
-Bridget Bodnar, Michigan Radio News
