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Residents Report Latest Sighting Of Wild Coyote In New Rochelle

There have been more coyote sightings in Westchester, this time near Ward Acres Park in New Rochelle.

Another coyote was spotted making the rounds in New Rochelle.

Another coyote was spotted making the rounds in New Rochelle.

Photo Credit: Marc Zoldessy
Another coyote was spotted making the rounds in New Rochelle.

Another coyote was spotted making the rounds in New Rochelle.

Photo Credit: Marc Zoldessy

A local resident snapped a photo of a coyote at approximately 1 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 9, near Saldo Circle in New Rochelle when she saw it walking in the area. Police were notified of the latest sighting, and promptly warned residents in the area to be aware and on alert. It was later spotted by neighbors crossing through several yards before making its way to the woods.

Other sightings have been reported in the area near Nature Study Woods, though there has been no conflict between the animals and local residents. As a precaution, small pets and children should be kept inside and away from coyotes if they approach, officials warned.

According to officials, “coyotes are well adapted to suburban and even some urban environments, but for the most part they will avoid contact with people.

“However, conflicts with people and pets may result as coyotes tend to be territorial around den sites during the spring through mid-summer period as they forage almost constantly to provide food for their young.”

"Coyotes are an integral part of our natural ecosystem and provide many benefits to New Yorkers, but can cause conflicts if they become accustomed to human interaction and food sources," DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos stated. "We strongly encourage all New Yorkers to do their part and follow our common sense tips to ensure coyotes remain wary of people and minimize the chance of conflicts.”

In response to the change in weather, the DEC has issued a series of tips to reduce the risk of a potential coyote incident:

  • Do not feed coyotes and discourage others from doing so.
  • Unintentional food sources attract coyotes and other wildlife and increase risks to people and pets.
  • Do not feed pets outside.
  • Make any 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. If you see a coyote near your bird feeder, clean up waste seed and spillage to remove the attractant.
  • Do not allow coyotes to approach people or pets.
  • Teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance.
  • If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior - 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.
  • Fenced yards may 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 your local police department and DEC regional office for assistance if you notice that 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.
  • Ask your neighbors to follow these same steps

"The Eastern coyote can be found in rural farmlands and forests, and occasionally in populated suburban and urban areas. In most cases, coyotes avoid people as much as possible. In fact, coyotes can provide many exciting opportunities for New Yorkers. 

"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."

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