MARQUETTE -- The DNR calls the U.P.'s coyote population "healthy," but they don't keep an exact tab. They also tell us that cities are appealing places for the animals. Coyotes can find plenty of food in dumpsters.
The big concern, though, is with pets.
On Facebook, Mary Walther Rogers says that there's a pack of coyotes near Au Train and several cats have gone missing.
Rick Rhoades, who's a member of the Upper Michigan's Source sales staff, has his own coyote story.
"All of my furniture on my porch was being thrown all over the place, and I thought 'what the heck is that?' and I heard the cat making some noise, so I went out there and flipped on the porch light, and there he was. He had the cat pinned down, and he was about to go to town on him," said Rhoades.
"If you're allowed to shoot in that area, if you're in the city, there's ordinances against discharging a firearm, but if you're out of the city limits, you can take that animal at anytime if they're about to do, or are doing, damage," explains DNR Wildlife Biologist, Brian Roelle.
Rick clapped his hands to scare away the coyote, and his cat survived.
If you have a run-in with a coyote, report it to your local police department.
As for financial damages, the State of Michigan will reimburse you for any livestock you lose to a coyote attack. Just call the DNR, and they'll look into it.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWLUC