Michigan Brought Back Year-Round Coyote Control. Here’s Why.

Michigan has brought back year-round coyote control after state officials said coyotes are attacking pets, killing livestock, and injuring people. The Michigan Natural Resources Commission approved the change by creating a hunting season and a management season that together apply statewide all year.

State wildlife officials say coyotes are appearing more often in neighborhoods and near homes. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says complaints have increased, especially in areas where food is easy to find, such as trash, outdoor pet food, and small animals. The state says year-round authority allows faster response when problems occur.

Coyotes have attacked people in Michigan. In December 2024, a 3-year-old child was bitten by a coyote in Alcona County. In 2023, a person in Benton Harbor was treated for a possible coyote bite. These cases are documented and part of the state’s reasoning.

Pet conflicts are also a factor. Michigan law already allows action against coyotes on private property when pets or livestock are threatened. The rule exists because these encounters happen in many parts of the state, especially near open land and wooded areas.

Michigan briefly paused coyote control in spring 2024 to protect pups. That pause was later reversed after continued complaints from residents and farmers.

Animal-rights groups have sued the state, saying year-round control is not proper wildlife management. State officials say the policy is about public safety and responding to real-world problems.

After reading this, what do you think? Should Michigan be stricter?