This shouldn’t come as a surprise to Ottawans. Kansas Game Wardens are warning residents across the state to keep an eye out for increasing numbers of coyotes in residential areas. Coyotes are being found more often in towns due to drought conditions as the they search for food and water. Game Wardens say that you should stay calm if you spot a coyote in your neighborhood. Many coyotes avoid people, and seeing one during the day is not a cause for alarm as they are mostly looking for a place to rest. Coyotes are usually fearful of people. If you see a coyote that is not displaying fear towards people, it has probably been fed, according to Game Wardens. You can reinstall its fear of humans by raising your arms and yelling to drive it away.
Keep on eye on your pets. Coyotes may mistake small, unattended pets as prey or attack large dogs they view as threats to territory or dens. Make sure food and water sources for pets are picked up and not left outdoors and don’t leave garbage bags outside trash bins. Coyotes are regular visitors to Ottawa. There are several every night in the 300 block of Ash, 500 block of Beech, near the trail on 11th, the 700 block of King and several other locations.
