Cleveland follows Ohio Department of Natural Resources guidance on urban coyotes, treating them as resident wildlife under ORC 1531; the city does not trap or relocate but supports hazing and reporting of bold animals.
Coyotes are present throughout Cleveland neighborhoods, especially near Metroparks corridors, the Cuyahoga River, and Lake Erie greenspaces. Cleveland does not operate a municipal coyote trapping program; under Ohio Revised Code 1531.01, coyotes are unprotected wildlife, but firearm discharge inside the city is barred by Chapter 627 except in defense. Residents are advised to haze coyotes by yelling, waving arms, or making loud noise, and to remove food attractants such as pet food and fallen fruit. Aggressive or sick animals can be reported to ODNR District 3 and Cleveland Animal Care and Control.
Discharging firearms inside Cleveland city limits to take coyotes violates Chapter 627; feeding coyotes may trigger nuisance citations under Ch. 121 or Ch. 605 with fines starting at $150.
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland does not maintain a blanket ban on feeding wildlife, but the city prohibits feeding that creates a public nuisance, attracts rats and other vermin,...
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland requires dogs to be leashed or confined. ORC §951.02 makes owners liable for dogs running at large. Dog licensing required through county auditor.
See how Cleveland's coyote management rules stack up against other locations.
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