Coyotes In Town Center!

From Town Center's listserv:

In response to a report we received from a Town Center resident who spotted some coyotes in the Vantage Point neighborhood, the village office contacted the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and was given the following information:

1. Coyotes have been spotted in all Maryland counties. They are not new to Howard County.

2. Coyotes are sandy/gray in color and are about the size of a German shepherd (30-35 pounds). In contrast, foxes are reddish in color and weigh about 15 pounds.

3. Although they are generally nocturnal, it is not uncommon to see them during the day.

4. Coyotes' main activity is scavenging for food. Do not leave pet food outside. Secure trash cans with bungee cords. To make trash cans less enticing to coyotes, place an ammonia-soaked rag in the trash can to mask the aroma of food.

5. If you see a coyote, the DNR officer recommended "harrassing" it, by throwing something or spraying water at the coyote.

6. Coyotes prey on small wild animals such as squirrels and rabbits, but they will also prey on pet cats and small-breed dogs if the opportunity arises.

7. The DNR officer stated that she knows of no case in Maryland in which a child was harmed by a coyote. She further stated that such an occurrence is very rare in the east coast of the United States.