DNR says coyotes descending on Detroit neighborhood is nothing to fear

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People in one west side Detroit neighborhood have been living with a pack of coyotes patrolling the streets for more than six months. 

They definitely have some concerns, FOX 2 took those concerns to the Department of Natural Resources and said there isn't a whole lot that can be done to get rid of them. But, there is some advice on how to coexist with coyotes.

Resident Kenny Melton caught coyote pups at play, in his yard, in the middle of this west side Detroit neighborhood. 

"I looked a little closer and there were five coyote pups playing in our backyard," said Kenny Melton. "My auntie used to stay over there and when she's sitting on the porch she's scared to come down." 

The pack has gotten bolder the last six months and are leaving people worried that they are too close for comfort. 

"They are attracted by habitat and food," said Holly Vaughn, DNR wildlife communications coordinator.

Vaughn says abandoned homes can become dens - they're attracted to small critters that like those spots too.  

"Generally coyotes are pretty retiring so they are not generally aggressive towards humans and really there's nothing to fear," she said.

Vaughn says there are no reported coyote attacks on humans. She says unless they are acting aggressively there isn't anything the DNR, animal control or police will do.

"Never try to approach or touch a coyote," she said. "Because then they might feel threatened and act in an aggressive fashion."

But, when you do see them, make loud noises like by yelling or even banging pots and pans.

"Scare them give them a reason to be fearful of humans and give them a reason to move on and move elsewhere," Vaughn said.

You can hunt coyotes, but not in the Detroit city limits - there are private nuisance control companies that you can hire to euthanize the animals. 

But Vaughn says they're not bad to have around because they control other pests. 

"It's really important to learn to tolerate their presence because they really are beneficial," she said.