STRONGSVILLE, Ohio — As mating season begins for coyotes in Ohio, Strongsville Animal Control Officer Chuck McCleary is reminding residents to stay alert and take simple precautions.<\/p>\n
He has been receiving an increase in calls about coyote sightings in the area.<\/p>\n
Coyotes are common throughout Ohio and are even known to inhabit suburban neighborhoods and cities. <\/p>\n
While sightings can be alarming, officials say understanding coyote behavior and responding appropriately can help reduce potential conflicts.<\/p>\n
If you encounter a coyote, McCleary advises you to make loud noises and actively scare the animal away. <\/p>\n
\u201cDeter the coyote whenever it is spotted,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Hazing techniques such as shouting, clapping or banging pots can reinforce a coyote\u2019s natural wariness of people.<\/p>\n
Pet owners are encouraged to take extra precautions, especially during mating season. <\/p>\n
Pets should not be left outside unattended or for extended periods of time. <\/p>\n
McCleary strongly advises against keeping cats outdoors and recommends bringing them indoors. <\/p>\n
He also suggests varying the times pets are let outside for bathroom breaks.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf your pet\u2019s schedule is predictable, coyotes can learn that routine,\u201d McCleary noted. \u201cChanging up those times can help reduce risk.\u201d<\/p>\n
Residents should also know how to identify a coyote. Though they are sometimes mistaken for wolves, there are no wild, free-ranging wolves in Ohio. <\/p>\n
Coyotes typically have an overall gray appearance, yellow eyes and a bushy tail with a distinctive black tip. <\/p>\n
While their fur color can vary, the black-tipped tail is almost always present.<\/p>\n
For more information about coyotes and wildlife-human interactions, visit the Ohio Division of Wildlife website through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources: https:\/\/ohiodnr.gov\/discover-and-learn\/safety-conservation\/about-ODNR\/wildlife<\/a>.<\/p>\n Officials emphasize that coyotes are a natural part of Ohio\u2019s ecosystem. With awareness and simple preventive measures, residents can safely coexist with these adaptable animals.<\/p>\n Dark comedy theater: Murder has never been so delightfully funny. <\/p>\n Strongsville Community Theatre will present the classic dark comedy \u201cArsenic & Old Lace,\u201d by Joseph Kesselring, Feb. 20 through March 1 at the Strongsville High School Little Theater, 20025 Lunn Road.<\/p>\n Directed by Lindsay Pier, the beloved comedy centers on Mortimer Brewster, a drama critic who discovers that his sweet, elderly aunts have been quietly poisoning lonely old men as a twisted act of charity. <\/p>\n As Mortimer scrambles to handle his homicidal relatives, he must also contend with his delusional brother, who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt, and another brother who returns home looking suspiciously like Boris Karloff — and who may be even more dangerous than the aunts. <\/p>\n What follows is a fast-paced farce filled with mistaken identities, hidden bodies and nonstop laughs.<\/p>\n Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. <\/p>\n Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and veterans, and $5 for students. <\/p>\n For tickets or more information, call 440-879-8817 or visit www.strongsvillecommunitytheatre.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n With its blend of clever dialogue, outrageous characters and classic theatrical mayhem, \u201cArsenic & Old Lace\u201d promises an evening of laughter and lively entertainment.<\/p>\n Spring concert: Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Brecksville presents its first concert in the spring series of Concerts@CRLC at 4 p.m. March 22. <\/p>\n It will feature The Erie Waters Flute Ensemble. <\/p>\n Erie Waters was born when a group of professional and amateur musicians performed new flute music by Cleveland composers at the Chicago Flute Festival in 2009.<\/p>\n Their unique sound comes from bringing together bass, alto, C flutes, piccolo and Native American flutes. <\/p>\n Erie Waters programs feature a variety of musical genres and styles.<\/p>\n In its second season, Concerts@CRLC will offer a wide variety of quality music to the Brecksville community. <\/p>\n All concerts, which are free and open to the public, are held in the sanctuary of Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 9201 Brecksville Road. <\/p>\n The concerts are supported by free-will offerings and sponsorships. <\/p>\n Physical\/spiritual wellness: Brecksville United Methodist Church offers the Mind, Body & Spirit Wellness Speaker Series. <\/p>\n The first is an informative and inclusive program, \u201cPelvic Floor Physical Therapy,\u201d presented by Dr. Belle Panza, PT, DPT, at 6 p.m. Feb. 22 in Fellowship Hall.<\/p>\n The session will focus on the importance of pelvic floor health and its connection to everyday movement, posture, core strength, bladder health and overall well-being. <\/p>\n Designed to be welcoming and accessible, the program is open to all genders, all bodies and all stages of life.<\/p>\n Organizers note that caring for one\u2019s physical health can also be viewed as a spiritual practice — one that evolves over time. <\/p>\n Whether attendees are experiencing changes in their own bodies, supporting a loved one or simply interested in learning more, the evening will offer practical information in a supportive, judgment-free environment.<\/p>\n Brecksville United Methodist Church is located at 65 Public Square in Brecksville. <\/p>\n For more information about this event or the 2026 Wellness Series, visit www.brecksvilleumc.com\/wellness-series-2026\/<\/a> or email hello@brecksvilleumc.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n A lot of pasta: Members of the North Royalton Middle School Honor Society continued their commitment to community service with their first of four scheduled Saturday volunteer trips to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank Feb. 7.<\/p>\n Students worked from 9 a.m. to noon, taking part in hands-on efforts that directly supported families across the region. <\/p>\n During this visit, volunteers were assigned the task of measuring and packaging pasta from bulk containers into individual two-pound bags. <\/p>\n The packaged food will be distributed through community-based food pantries serving local families in need.<\/p>\n By the end of the three-hour shift, the group had successfully prepared more than 700 two-pound bags of pasta for distribution.<\/p>\n Each visit to the food bank provides students with a different assignment based on current needs. <\/p>\n Past projects have included packing family-sized boxes of dry goods, sorting donated food items and organizing frozen meat contributions from local grocery stores.<\/p>\n Teacher\/adviser Cathy Drescher said the experience not only supports an important community resource, but also gives students a meaningful opportunity to see the direct impact of volunteer service. <\/p>\n The Honor Society will return for three additional Saturday service days in the coming months.<\/p>\n Band concert: The Brecksville-Broadview Heights Community Band will welcome spring with an evening of lively music and hometown talent when it presents its annual Spring Concert at 7:30 p.m. March 2.<\/p>\n The 60-member ensemble, under the direction of conductor Patricia L. Nemitz, will perform a diverse program, ranging from spirited marches to the timeless sounds of Gershwin — offering something for every musical taste. <\/p>\n The concert will take place at the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Middle School Auditorium, 6376 Mill Road in Broadview Heights. <\/p>\n Admission is free and open to the public.<\/p>\n Now celebrating its 30th season, the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Community Band has become a beloved musical tradition in the two cities. <\/p>\n Founded in 1993 by parents of Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School band members who simply loved to play, the group has grown into one of Northeast Ohio\u2019s most popular community bands. <\/p>\n The ensemble performs four concerts annually, bringing neighbors together through the shared joy of live music.<\/p>\n The band welcomes musicians of all ages and experience levels. <\/p>\n Those who play a wind instrument or percussion — even if it has been years since they last performed — are encouraged to dust off their instruments and join in the fun.<\/p>\n For more information about joining the band, email bbhcommband@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re a longtime supporter or attending for the first time, this free community concert promises to be a wonderful way to celebrate the season with music.<\/p>\n Let the Brecksville, Broadview Heights, North Royalton and Strongsville communities know what is going on with your organization, church, school, business or family. Email me at shirleymac48@att.net<\/a>.<\/p>\n