Sightings Anticipated to Become More Prevalent as Spring
Approaches
The New York State Department
of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today issued guidance to help prevent
conflicts between people and coyotes. Coyote sightings are likely to
increase in the coming months and DEC encourages New Yorkers to be aware
of the potential for conflicts and follow DEC guidelines to prevent
negative encounters.
Coyotes inhabit a variety of
habitats throughout the state, from rural farmland and forests to
populated suburban and urban areas. For the most part, coyotes will avoid
human contact. However, conflicts with people and pets may occur,
particularly during the spring denning and pupping period when coyotes
tend to be more territorial and protective of pups. Furthermore, if
coyotes learn to associate food, such as garbage or pet food, with
people, these animals may lose their natural fear of humans, increasing
the potential for close encounters or conflicts.
To reduce or prevent
conflicts with coyotes, New Yorkers are encouraged to take the following
steps:
·
Never feed coyotes.
·
Do not leave food outside. Pet food and
garbage attract coyotes and other wildlife and increase risks to people
and pets. DEC encourages people to:
·
Feed pets indoors.
·
Prevent access to garbage.
·
Fence or enclose compost piles.
·
Eliminate availability of bird seed.
Concentrations of birds and rodents that come to feeders can attract
coyotes.
·
Do not allow coyotes to approach people
or pets. If you see a coyote, be aggressive in behavior, stand tall and
hold arms up or out to look as large as possible. If a coyote lingers for
too long, make loud noises, wave arms and throw
sticks and stones.
·
Teach children to appreciate coyotes from
a distance.
·
Do not allow pets to run free. Supervise
outdoor pets to keep them safe from coyotes and other wildlife,
especially at sunset and at night. Small dogs and cats are especially
vulnerable.
·
Fence yards to deter coyotes. The fence
should be tight to the ground, preferably extending six inches below
ground level and taller than four feet.
·
Remove brush and tall grass from around
homes to reduce protective cover for coyotes as they are typically
secretive and like areas where they can hide.
·
Ask neighbors to follow these steps to
prevent coyote conflicts.
In spring, coyotes tend to be
more active and may be more visible. Just seeing a coyote occasionally is
generally not a cause for concern. However, if they exhibit bold
behaviors and have little or no fear of people, or if they are seen
repeatedly during the daytime near residences, contact
your Regional DEC Wildlife Office for assistance. In
emergency situations, contact your local police department.
For additional information
about the eastern coyote and preventing conflicts with coyotes, visit:
Eastern
Coyote
Coyote
Conflicts
Feeding
Wildlife: A Wrong Choice
Tips
to Eliminate Wildlife Conflicts
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