HEBRON, Ky. – More coyotes were spotted in Hebron, Kentucky this week – but these weren’t just regular coyotes.
They were pups.
WCPO viewer Jonas Hudson submitted this video of what he claimed were coyote pups playing in his Hebron backyard.
Here are some coyote pups playing in our backyard in Hebron, KY.
Posted by Jonas Hudson on Wednesday, December 16, 2015
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources watched the video and backed up Hudson’s claim.
“These do appear to be coyote pups,” the group said. “Coyotes are highly adaptable and can readily inhabit residential areas."
Viewer Otto Gerhardt sent in this photo Tuesday of what he originally thought were wolves in Hebron. But the wildlife department quickly nipped that theory in the bud. Those are coyotes, they said.
Wolves in Hebron, KY?!Viewer Otto Gerhardt sent in this photo that was snapped in Hebron. At first the thought was coyotes, but could they be wolves?
Posted by WCPO - 9 On Your Side on Tuesday, December 15, 2015
If you're noticing an influx of coyotes in your neck of the woods, here are a few tips to keep them at bay:
- Fencing (duh). But this has to be a high fence that is not easy to climb.
- Don't keep your pets outdoors alone at night. Coyotes will attack cats, small dogs, chickens and rabbits if they have the chance. But large animals like llamas, donkeys and even packs of goats can ward off coyotes (although the Homeowner's Association may not be a fan of your new security system).
- This may be sort of gross, but if your pets aren't spayed or neutered, a coyote can tell. And they will at least try to take full advantage. Bet you didn't know that one, Bob Barker!
- Eliminate all other temptations for coyotes: garbage containing meat, fruit or really any old food is like the Cinnabon of the coyote world. So don't let that smell linger! Experts recommend disposing of old food immediately -- taking it to a dump, putting it down the garbage disposal or feeding it to a pet -- or using a "coyote proof" garbage can.
- If you catch a coyote in your yard, make lots of noise -- banging metal pots and pans together works well -- or spraying the coyotes with water. That'll show 'em.
- This is an old trick from country folk, and it applies to deer and rabbits, too: The next time you pull hair out of your comb or hairbrush, take it to the edge of your lawn (or your garbage can, garden or wherever pesky animals like to congregate) and just plop the hairball there. The smell will ward off animals.
- And if you're REALLY desperate and have a shameless man in your life, have them "mark his territory" quite literally around the yard. It does work (don't ask me why I know this). You can also purchase wolf urine and do the same thing. That will scare the pee out of coyotes.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources said it’s important NOT to approach or attempt to feed coyotes, even adorable pups.
