From: evendaleoh_news@mm.windigicert.com
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 11:55 AM
To: evendaleoh_news@mm.windigicert.com
Subject: Message from Police Chief Re: Coyotes

How to Avoid Encounters with Coyotes

An Evendale residence experienced an encounter last week in which they lost two family pets.  This was a malicious attack on their two small dogs. The attack is suspected by coyotes.  This is an unfortunate incident and one we hope to help you avoid.  Evendale is generally wooded and any residence has the possibility of wildlife encounters.  The village does not perform wildlife services.  We will do everything possible to protect your family if threatened but do not act prior to an aggressive or threatening action by an animal.  We do encourage you to call 911 if you are not certain.  We do not want your family or pets harmed when it could have been avoided.

If you or your family see or feel threatened by coyotes you should find a safe place and immediately notify the police by calling 911.  If an encounter occurs please observe the location and number of coyotes.  This is helpful to the police department.  Coyotes are usually nocturnal and feed on food sources such as fruits, vegetables, and small mammals including mice, squirrels, sheep, foxes, and especially small dogs or cats.  Coyotes pose little threat to adults however could view small children as possible prey.  Please don’t leave small children unattended in your yard.  Although coyote attacks on pets is infrequent and alarming we especially do not want a child hurt.

The following are controls residents can take to reduce chances of an encounter with coyotes and other wild animals living in an urban area.

*       Don’t leave garbage outside overnight and make sure lids are secured on garbage cans;

*       Don’t put food outside for your pets;

*       Avoid leaving your family pets such as dogs or cats outside without supervision especially at night;

·*      Put family pets such as rabbits, cats, and dogs inside at night;

*       Report coyote sightings immediately to the Police Department; and

*       Apply concentrated urine, available at hunting stores, along property edges to repel the coyotes.