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We have received numerous inquiries about deer and coyotes in Troy. While the City and Police Department don't have “jurisdiction” over deer, coyotes, or other wildlife, we have researched this issue and worked with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to assist residents.
Coyote
Additional information on coyotes can be accessed through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website. Information on Urban coyotes, including coexisting tips, can be accessed on the Urban Coyote Ecology and Management website.
Facts
- Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores and will eat fruits and vegetables as well as small rodents.
- Residential coyotes average 20-45 lbs. They are smaller than most dogs. Coyotes are also very timid and will rarely approach a person.
- In urban areas, their home range is 2-5 square miles. Most active at dawn and dusk but can be active during the day, particularly during spring mating season.
- Coyote mating season begins early spring; they can have between 4-7 pups. Coyotes live in family packs which consist of a breeding pair and may include older offspring.
- Always have garbage closed and contained.
- Fruit on the ground in the summer attracts rodents then attracts coyotes. Pick up fruit when it falls off the trees.
- Don’t leave any pet food outside; birdseed can also attract coyotes.
- A fence used as a barrier should be 6 to 7 feet tall, coyotes can leap and are also good climbers.
Hazing is a method that uses deterrents to move an animal out of an area or discourages an undesirable behavior or activity. Hazing can help maintain coyotes’ fear of humans and deter them from neighborhood spaces such as backyards and playgrounds.
Ways to Haze a coyote away include:
- Yell and wave your arms while approaching the coyote.
- Using noisemakers- your voice, whistles, air horns, banging on pots and pans.
- Use projectiles ex: sticks, small rocks, tennis balls.
- Make yourself as big and tall as possible. If you have a jacket on you can take it off and wave it around.
- Always remember that coyotes are more scared of you then you are of them.
- Never run from a coyote.
- It typically takes at least two times to make the coyote go away for good.
- Closely supervise your dog, do not leave small dogs unattended in your yard.
- Walk your dog on a leash at all times & stay close to high pedestrian traffic areas.
- Avoid dense brushy areas or paths near abandoned properties.
- If you notice a coyote when walking your dog, keep your dog as close to you as possible and move towards an active area.
- Never encourage or allow your dog to interact or “play” with coyotes.
Why not just relocate them?
Relocating is rarely effective for any species and particularly so for a coyote. Chicago conducted a study and relocated 12 nuisance coyotes and monitored their movements and fates. Their findings concluded that NONE of the 12 relocated coyotes stayed in the spot that they were relocated to. Within 48 hours each of them traveled back in the general direction of their origin. The DNR also notes that any attempt to eliminate coyotes would likely result in repopulation in a very short amount of time, as others would move into the now vacant area with more available food sources.
Removal
Any landowner wishing to remove coyotes from their property may contact a licensed nuisance animal control company. If a coyote presents an immediate danger, the resident should contact the Troy Police Department by calling 911. Beyond emergency situations, the Police Department is not involved in trapping or otherwise handling coyotes.
Deer
White-tailed deer are found in every county in Michigan and can easily adapt to their surroundings. Deer can be found in just about every habitat type, including both urban and suburban areas. Additional information regarding deer management can be found on the DNR website.
Prevention and Control Tips
- Do not intentionally feed deer.
- Remove or modify bird feeders to prevent deer from accessing the food.
- Construct fences or put wiring around gardens or individual plants to protect from damage.
- Use scare tactics to frighten deer away.
- Try repellents or modify landscaping. Use plants that are less likely to be eaten by deer.
- Leave fawns in the wild; it is not unusual to find a fawn on its own.
Deer Deterrent
Deterrent methods are generally a short-term solution to solve issues, but they usually aren’t effective long-term. Examples of deterrents include fencing to keep deer out of a specific area, using noise and visual scare tactics, applying taste deterrents to ornamental plants, removing feed, and making bird feeders inaccessible to deer.
Sick and Injured Deer
The local DNR office can be contacted if there is an aggressive white-tailed deer causing a public safety risk, a sick deer, or for additional prevention and control options.
