Environment DEC
From the May 2005 issue
DEC Provides Tips on Avoiding Conflicts with Coyotes
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan has informed New Yorkers that they may see coyotes more frequently during the spring and early summer because they will be raising their litters. "Coyotes live throughout upstate New York, and the period from April through June is the peak of their pup-rearing activity," Commissioner Sheehan said. "Coyotes have a high demand for food at this time of the year, and residents are more likely to see a coyote because of their increased activity in our environment."
DEC Recommendations
Coyotes are seen in both developed and rural areas. Homeowners should take sensible precautions to avoid attracting coyotes to their property. As highlighted in the April 2005 issue of the New York State Conservationist, DEC has issued the following recommendations to reduce the chances for a negative encounter with a coyote:
- Never feed or attempt to get close to a coyote.
- Keep pets under control, and be sure not to leave them out at night. Coyotes may kill or injure a pet, especially small dogs and cats. Walk your dog on a leash and accompany your pet outside, especially at night. Provide secure shelters for poultry, rabbits, and other vulnerable animals.
- Control other sources of food that may attract a coyote-keep your trash secure and compost bins covered; closely monitor your bird feeders to ensure that they are not attracting other wildlife, and keep dog and cat food bowls inside. Coyotes that rely on wild food sources remain wild and wary of people.
- Coyotes like areas where they can hide, yet still be near food. You can help by thinning brushy areas in your yard and closing off crawl spaces. Coyotes may use areas under buildings for resting or raising young.
- If others in your neighborhood are attracting coyotes, tell them about the hazards posed by coyotes and ask them to take the measures recommended above.
Be Cautious and Sensible
People should never try to get close to coyotes. Any coyote that shows unusual boldness or acts tame should be avoided. Coyote attacks directed toward people have occurred in the western United States. However, aggressive coyote behavior has also been reported in the eastern United States and in New York State.
DEC estimates that there are currently 20,000-30,000 coyotes statewide. As coyotes become more adapted to living near people, hearing or seeing coyotes may become more common. These increased sightings should not be interpreted as aggressive behavior. A coyote seen in overgrown fields, brushy areas, woodlands, or habitats in between these areas of natural cover is normal.
Coyote Study
Comprehensive research will help
protect people and ensure
proper management of coyotes
DEC is collaborating with Cornell University to complete an in-depth, five-year study of coyote ecology and behavior in the urban and suburban areas of New York. This research will comprehensively evaluate coyote behavior and activity in areas where human-coyote interactions are more likely. The research will also evaluate the public's attitudes and behaviors relating to coyotes. The study will begin this summer.
"By more fully understanding the behavior of coyotes in areas with dense human populations, and by understanding human attitudes towards coyotes, we will be better able to protect people and pets, while ensuring that coyotes are managed appropriately." Commissioner Sheehan said.
Further Information
Should anyone notice a coyote acting strangely or causing a nuisance, they should call their nearest regional DEC office to report the animal. Contact information for the all DEC regional offices can be found on DEC's Web Site.
New York State has a yearly coyote hunting season to manage the coyote population. Information on hunting coyotes and hunting regulations is listed on page 19 in the 2004-05 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide and also on DEC's Web Site.
