The City occasionally receives calls from residents concerned about coyotes. January through March is coyote mating season. Coyotes are typically more active during this time. In the past the City sought guidance from Kentucky Fish and were advised that there is nothing the City can do to prevent coyotes from being here, and attempts to remove them would create an “empty territory” that would attract others - possibly even more coyotes. Private property owners with coyotes on their property can contact a permitted Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator for assistance with removal. Keep in mind, much like with feral cats, once a number of animals are removed, others typically take on their territory. While hunting can be a good wildlife control measure, the discharge of firearms and other projectiles like arrows are generally prohibited in Crescent Springs due to the closeness of houses to each other when compared to the distance an arrow or bullet can travel. Animal Control typically only assists with wildlife an animal is obviously sick or injured. Animal Control’s services are focused on domestic animals such as stray dogs and cats. Animal Control does not carry any lethal weapons.

With heavily wooded areas throughout the city and direct access to bodies of water like the Ohio River, Pleasant Run, and Dry Creek which act as “wildlife highways” it is impossible to keep coyotes out of Crescent Springs and Villa Hills. The best way to encourage coyotes to move on is to not provide food for them. This means you should not leave out food for cats or use bird feeders that have spillage which attracts squirrels and other rodents. The presence of those small animals (prey) eating under the birdfeeders can attract coyotes. The installation of motion detector lights may help.

In the U.S., coyotes are responsible for less than ten bites to humans per year. They are most dangerous to small domestic animals, but they typically will not be an issue for humans unless the humans are approaching their cubs/dens.

Taking precautions to protect yourself and your pets is the best course of action. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife has a resource of general tips offering common sense guidelines for living with coyotes in suburbs.