Coyote sighting causing headaches, strife in Park Hills

PARK HILLS, Ky. - The city of Park Hills is divided over how to handle what appears to be a growing problem of coyotes in parts of town.

Park Hills, which is located near Covington in a heavily wooded area, offers perfect hiding places for coyotes. But not all residents agree that there is a problem.

"I believe we do [have a coyote problem], yes," said Park Hills Police Chief Cody Stanley.

"I am not truly convinced that there is a coyote problem," said Park Hills resident Louise Niemer.

There have been a number of coyote sightings on the east side of town, surprisingly away from Devou Park. In fact, the chief of police says he saw one across the street from his office last week.

"They're starting to come out more during the day. If you look at this parking lot just across the street, one day last week we had one running around during the day around noon and he seems to be one of our main culprits," said Police Chief Stanley.

The Park Hills Police Department has come up with a plan for dealing with coyotes, if they become a threat to people or pets. Stanley plans to buy a special gun with a suppressor that officers can use to shoot the animals.

"We're only going to respond when someone calls us and we're aware of a certain problem. That way, when we go, we are ready for the problem and can take care of it," said Stanley.

However, some disagree with this method.

"I am not convinced that buying specially equipment to shoot coyotes is the solution to the problem. They are not going to get rid of the coyotes. Coyotes are going to continue to be around and be a problem," said Niemer.

Stanley says trapping or trying to tranquilize a coyote would only cause more problems.

"The problem with that is, when you trap a coyote, first of all you have to get it out of the traps and that puts us in danger. I asked Animal Control and Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and they don't offer assistance in that. They will offer a trap, but they aren't going to come out and offer us assistance in taking care of the coyote," said Stanley.

Stanley says he expects to have the gun in about three to four weeks. He feels it's the best way to protect residents, as well as his officers.