'CCO Reporter Spots Coyote In Her Backyard

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A bear in the south metro made headlines last week, now a coyote was spotted in the west metro community of Orono.

WCCO-TV's Holly Wagner says she was looking out of a window when she saw a coyote in her backyard on Tuesday. It came within 10 feet of her deck.

The DNR says it's not unusual to see coyotes in urban areas these days, but they generally avoid humans.

"We know they are out here," Holly said, "but to see it in the middle of the day, so close to our house, just prancing across the yard...it makes me think it was hungry and looking for food at the time it was out."

If you have seen a coyote near your home, the DNR advises keeping a close eye on your pets.

Officials also that say making a loud noise, like banging pans together, scares the coyotes away and reinforces their fear of humans.