Hikers at Firestone Metro Park are being told to give one Akron family some extra breathing room — a family of coyotes that has set up a den just outside the Tuscarawas Meadows area. Summit Metro Parks is warning visitors to avoid walking along Harrington Road near the den, since protective parents may act defensively while their pups are still young. Rangers are reminding everyone to keep dogs leashed and to give wildlife plenty of space.
Where the Den Is
On Friday the park posted an alert saying coyotes have established a den just outside the Tuscarawas Meadows area and that nearby pedestrian access along Harrington Road is not advised, according to Summit Metro Parks. The den is off park property, but close enough that adult coyotes could posture or act defensively if people or pets wander too near. The notice explains that these defensive displays typically taper off once pups are older and more independent, and it asks visitors to follow posted guidance while the coyote family is still in the neighborhood.
The timing is not surprising, since spring is denning season for coyotes, when adults are especially protective of their young. Ohio Coyote notes that pups usually begin leaving dens in May and June and recommends that if a coyote approaches, people should make themselves look larger, make noise, and back away slowly instead of running. Those simple steps, along with steering clear of known den sites, help limit conflict for both park visitors and the animals.
Research and Context
The Akron Zoo and Summit Metro Parks are partnering on local coyote research, and the zoo reports that biologists recently collared two coyotes and returned them to the same habitat. The female appears to be nursing a litter and the exact den location is being kept under wraps to protect the animals, according to Akron Zoo. Officials say the collar data helps them map how coyotes move through the region and supports targeted advisories like the one now in place for Firestone Metro Park.
How To Stay Safe
Summit Metro Parks is asking visitors to stick to designated trails, keep dogs leashed, and give any coyotes they see plenty of room, according to Summit Metro Parks. Anyone who encounters a coyote that seems aggressive or injured is urged to call the park district at 330-867-5511 or contact local animal control so trained staff can respond. The park also reminds visitors not to feed wildlife, to secure trash and pet food, and to choose a different route if an animal appears defensive.
The alert underscores that coyotes are a normal part of Summit County’s green spaces in spring, and the park says it will update its online alerts if anything changes. Before heading out, hikers are encouraged to check current advisories and, if needed, opt for a different path along the Bike & Hike Trail or other nearby routes until the coyote family moves on.
