Coyote Spotted Napping on Frozen Ohio River

Kentucky police warn boaters and ice fishers to keep an eye on small pets.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Bellevue Police Department in Kentucky spotted a coyote napping on the frozen Ohio River on Sunday. The department warned local residents, especially those with small pets, to be cautious when out on the river due to the coyote's presence.

Why it matters

Coyote sightings in urban and suburban areas have become more common in recent years as their populations have expanded. While generally wary of humans, coyotes can pose a risk to small pets, making this sighting on the Ohio River a potential safety concern for local residents.

The details

In a Facebook post, the Bellevue Police Department shared photos of the coyote resting near the riverbank on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River, with the Cincinnati, Ohio skyline visible in the background. The coyote was later seen walking back toward land. It's unclear what drew the coyote to this unusual napping spot or how long it remained there.

  • The coyote was spotted on Sunday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Bellevue Police Department

The police department in Bellevue, Kentucky that spotted the coyote on the frozen Ohio River and issued a warning to local residents.

Sgt. Bonar

The Bellevue police officer who spotted the coyote napping on the ice.

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What they’re saying

“Warning for any boaters or ice fishers out there. Sgt. Bonar spotted a coyote napping on the ice. If you have small pets on your boat, or in your ice fishing shack; be sure to keep an eye on them.”

— Bellevue Police Department (Facebook)

The takeaway

This coyote sighting on the frozen Ohio River serves as a reminder for residents in the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky area to be vigilant about their small pets when spending time outdoors, especially near bodies of water where coyotes may be present.