DEC: Avoid conflict with coyotes
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> The state Department of Environmental Conservation urges residents to prevent conflicts with coyotes as spring arrives and the animals look for food for their young.
The Eastern coyote can be found in rural farmlands and forests and occasionally in populated suburban and urban areas. But conflicts with people and domestic pets can arise because coyotes are territorial when rearing pups around their den sites.
In most cases, coyotes avoid people as much as possible. However, if coyotes learn to associate people with food, such as garbage or pet food, they may lose their natural fear of humans, and the potential for close encounters or conflicts increases.
It is important to keep pets safe. Cats allowed to roam free are at risk. To protect cats from coyotes, other wildlife and hazards like automobiles, keep cats indoors.
Owners of small dogs also have cause for concern. Small
dogs are at the greatest risk of being harmed or killed when coyotes are being territorial during denning and pup-rearing. Small dogs should not be left unattended in backyards at night and should remain supervised. Owners of large- and mediumsized dogs have less to worry about but should still take precautions.
The DEC should be contacted if a coyote exhibits demonstrates threatening behavior. DEC recommends a variety steps to reduce or prevent potential conflicts. They are:
• Never feed coyotes and discourage others from doing so;
• Don’t leave pet foods outside.
• Keep garbage inaccessible to coyotes and other animals;
• Fence or enclose compost piles so they are not accessible to coyotes
• Eliminate availability of bird seed. Concentrations of birds and rodents that come to feeders can attract coyotes.
• Never allow coyotes to approach people or pets;
• Teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance;
• Be aggressive in behavior if you see a coyote: Stand tall and hold arms out to look large. If a coyote lingers for too long, then make loud noises, wave your arms, and throw sticks and stones;
• Do not allow pets to run free. Supervise all outdoor pets to keep them safe from coyotes and other wildlife, especially at sunset and at night. Small dogs and cats are especially vulnerable to coyotes;
• Fence yards to help 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 your home to reduce protective cover for coyotes. Coyotes are typically secretive and like areas where they can hide;
• Contact local police department and DEC regional office for assistance if coyotes are exhibiting bold behaviors and have little or no fear of people. Seeing a coyote occasionally throughout the year is not evidence of bold behavior; and
• Ask neighbors to follow these same steps.