Coyote sightings up as population increases in urban areas OMAHA, NE (WOWT) — Reports of coyote sightings have been on the rise in the Omaha area, and authorities think it has something to do with the COVID-19 pandemic. Wildlife experts tell us people are seeing more of the animals because many of us are spending more time at home. “People are paying attention a little more this year ‘cause they’re still inside because of COVID and have time to look at security footage and to look out their window, so we are getting more calls for coyotes this year but I don’t think it represents a high increase in the population of coyotes,” said Laura Stastny, executive director of Nebraska Wildlife Rehab.