Stray animals may be a fact of life, but many may not know that wild animals also roam in residential neighborhoods of Independence Township.
Linda Bistersky believes. She and her husband saw what they believe to be a young coyote running through yards near Eastlawn and Chickadee on April 28.
‘It looked like a dog, but it was big,? Bistersky said. ‘We were shocked.?
There was time for Bistersky’s husband to grab a camera and get a photo. They also called Oakland County Animal Control, but the animal had disappeared into some nearby woods by the time officers arrived.
Bistersky said residents have seen wild turkeys in the area, but this was the first time she had seen anything such as a coyote. She has heard second-hand reports that residents along Waterford Road have lost pets to full-grown coyotes.
Neither the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office nor Oakland County Animal Control have received any reports of coyote attacks on pets. At least one official, however, said Bistersky’s sighting is not a surprise.
‘They’re all over Oakland County,? said Sgt. Jerry McNair, animal control road supervisor. ‘It’s not unexpected that you might see them every now and then.?
Just as with deer and other wild animals, McNair said increased development has forced coyotes from their former habitats.
While unaware of any recent reports of lost pets, McNair said residents would be wise to keep pets from wandering off residential property.