To Catch a Coyote: Pleasant Ridge Puts Out Live Trap

Pleasant Ridge hopes chicken will do the trick.

The city – just south of Huntington Woods, across Interstate 696 – has put out one live trap baited with chicken. It will put out another Friday if a coyote that's been sighted in the area has not yet been captured, Assistant City Manager Scott Pietrzak said Tuesday. 

"(Oakland County) Animal Control told us to use raw chicken," he said.

Pietrzak said the live trap won't harm the animal. If the coyote takes the bait, it will trigger the door behind him, capturing the animal unharmed.

The trap is placed near where the coyote has been spotted in backyards and traveling near Elm Park, Poplar Park, Oakland Park and in Memorial Park in Pleasant Ridge, City Manager Sherry Ball said.

"We've been getting calls all day of people seeing him," Pietrzak said. "But when a dog barks, (the coyote) seems to run away. He seems to be more scared of us than we are of it."

Yet Bob Lessnau, curator of mammals at the nearby Detroit Zoo, urged caution. "People should watch out because (coyotes) can attack, and they will roam around in backyards," he said. "Be aware of your surroundings, and don't leave small animals or children unattended until (the coyote) is captured."

For the record, the Detroit Zoo does not keep coyotes.

The coyote is described as looking like a light-colored, medium-size dog. 

"It is a 30- to 50-pound animal," Lessnau said.

 Lt. Bill Spencer offered residents tips on what to do if they see the animal:

• Keep small animals in the house until the coyote is captured.
• Don't try to catch it.
• Remove animal feed that is stored outdoors.
• Contact the Public Safety Department if you see the coyote (248-541-1180).

"We've had quite a few coyotes going through here in the past two or three years," Spencer said Tuesday. "We've been directed by the DNR to leave most wildlife alone unless it's a safety issue."