WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) _ Wildlife officials say sightings of coyotes are increasing as the animals go on the prowl without the cover of now-harvested farm fields.
Donna Ferullo says she had a coyote run inside her West Lafayette home last month while chasing a family cat. She tells the Journal & Courier she screamed and the coyote ran back outside.
Indiana Department of Natural Resources biologist Shawn Rossler says the combination of losing hiding places and the approach of winter breeding season puts the coyotes on the move. Rossler tells the Daily Reporter any coyotes that people spot have likely been around for years without being noticed.
Experts say coyotes mostly eat small mammals such as mice and moles but also see small dogs and cats as prey.