Coyotes In WV

A food shortage that’s reduced West Virginia’s squirrel population is drawing another, and bigger, critter out of the woods.

Someone posted a sign in Charleston’s South Hills neighborhood warns residents to keep their pets inside because coyotes are in the area.

Division of Natural Resources wildlife Chief Curtis Taylor says the coyote population hasn’t increased since last year. Sightings are up because there are fewer squirrels and coyotes are looking for food.

Taylor says that puts other small animals at risk.

West Virginia has a year-round hunting and trapping season for coyotes.