MARQUETTE -- The Upper Peninsula is full of coyotes, and our Facebook viewers wanted to know why.
They usually keep to themselves, but don't be surprised if you see them lurking in your backyard. Birdfeeders and grills will attract them if they're looking for food.
"I have seen numerous coyotes between Gwinn and Negaunee," said Facebook fan Tim Richard. "Usually early morning, not to mention the baying in the evening."
Officials say the number of coyotes in the U.P. isn't closely tracked.
"We really don't have a population estimate," said DNR Wildlife Biologist Brian Roell. "Unlike a lot of species in Michigan, we don't do actual population survey. We do know, though, the population is healthy and they're found in every county in Michigan."
The DNR recently finished the first stage of a study about prey and predators in the U.P. Coyotes and other predators were radio collared to track the results.
Initial data shows coyotes are to blame for the decline of whitetail deer.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWLUC