Photo: Marcia Straub / Moment / Getty Images
(Des Moines, IA) -- There has been an increase in bobcat and coyote sightings around the Des Moines metro. Both animals are often found in areas near rivers and wooded areas, but some have been seen venturing into more urban neighborhoods.
"They're looking for things like food, water and shelter, so wherever they can find that mix, sometimes unfortunately they come a little bit closer. So if there's excess food left out by people, they take advantage of things like people leaving out pet food or garbage or fallen fruit from trees. It's amazing how many foods coyotes will eat," said Andy Kellner, Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Johnston recently joined several other Des Moines metro cities that have adopted urban wildlife plans to address bobcats and coyotes.
Bobcats used to be endangered in Iowa, but their population is bouncing back. Over the past few years, there have been more reports of both bobcat and coyote sightings in the Des Moines metro.
Coyote sightings may become more common around the Des Moines metro during the winter months.
"Winter, January, February time is their mating season, so they are going to be patrolling their territory a little bit more. You're going to see them, they are going to be a bit more visible. They might be a little more bold with wanting to keep other canines out of that territory," said Kellner.
Another big concern many people have when it comes to bobcats and coyotes is their pets' safety. Kellner says the best thing pet owners can do to protect their pets is to keep them on a leash and go outside with them when letting them out, especially if they are a small dog or cat.