DETROIT (WWJ) -- A neighborhood on Detroit’s west side has become home to some unwelcome new residents.
Neighbors living on the 18200 block of Stout Street have reported multiple coyote sightings, and have even witnessed them roaming in a vacant lot during the day -- a rarity for the animal which tends to only come out at night when living among humans.
The residents have attempted to have the coyotes removed through Detroit Animal Control, but were told that the city only handles stray dogs.
Holly Vaughn from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources tells Fox2Detroit that the city’s vacant land and homes create a desirable habitat for coyotes, especially during breeding season.
She also adds that it’s not uncommon for coyotes to hunt during the day when they have pups to feed.
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The DNR recommends using some type of a noisemaker to scare off coyotes wandering near neighborhood homes, and to restrict access to potential food sources.
"Things that people can remember is to remove any food sources that you have around," Vaughn said. "So if you have trashcans that you put out at the curb the night before, maybe put those out in the morning so that coyotes aren’t attracted by small animals that come to that food source. If you feed pets outdoors, remove that pet food source."