REGION — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issued guidance to help prevent conflicts between people and coyotes. Coyote sightings are likely to increase in the coming months and the DEC encourages people to be aware of the potential for conflicts and follow guidelines to prevent “negative encounters.”

Coyotes inhabit a variety of habitats throughout the region, 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 can 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. This increases the potential for close encounters or conflicts.

Don’t be a coyote magnet

Never feed coyotes.

Do not leave food outside. Pet food and garbage attract coyotes and other wildlife and increase risks to people and pets. 

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.

Springtime in coyoteland

In spring, coyotes tend to be more active and might 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 New York; in PA, contact the Game Commission or a local wildlife rehabilitator. 

In emergency situations, contact your local police department.

Useful links

For additional information about the eastern coyote, visit www.dec.ny.gov/animals/9359.html. 

To learn more about preventing conflicts with coyotes, visit www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6971.html.

Feeding wildlife: A Wrong Choice explains the problems with feeding wild animals. www.dec.ny.gov/animals/74763.html.

Tips to eliminate wildlife conflicts: www.dec.ny.gov/animals/89522.html 

Contributed by the New York State DEC.