Coyote Warning Issued in Glastonbury

GLASTONBURY, CT - Glastonbury police have issued a coyote warning.

In recent weeks, the town's animal control division has received "dozens" of phone calls regarding coyotes being are out during the day and "being seen on a regular basis," police said in a Facebook post.

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The sightings are occurring throughout town, but the areas of Chestnut Hill Road, Lakewood Road, Papermill, South Pond and Fallview are reporting the most frequent sightings, police said.

In the past two weeks the coyote parents have started taking up to six young coyotes on hunting forays in those neighborhoods, police said.

Residents are reporting very bold behavior on the part of the adult coyotes, and they are said to be coming close to houses and not acting as fearful as expected in the presence of humans, police said.

"This is an active time for both coyote and fox families, as they begin to move their young within their established territories and teach them to hunt," police.

• Keep garbage in garages or sheds to prevent foraging
• Do not leave food for animals outside
• Remove bird feeders, which draw birds/chipmunks/mice, etc. These are all on the menu of the coyote;
• Most importantly, don’t leave your animals outside unattended. Forgo the invisible fence and the tie outs until the coyotes have moved to another part of their territory. They are opportunists and WILL prey on smaller dogs and cats

"Even though the coyotes are bold, your presence with your pet could prevent it from being eyed as a potential meal by a hungry predator," police said. "Be aware of other wildlife that might frequent your yard. Coyotes also prey on turkeys and woodchucks, which are difficult to eliminate from your property. If you see these animals on your property be diligent in protecting your pet.

"The reported coyote activity is normal, and occurs every year. Reports of activity are often based on the location of the dens, as the parents contain their hunting to an area around the den site when the young are not yet mobile. Seeing them out as a family means that they will soon be spreading out within the territory and not be as concentrated in one neighborhood."

Police said any wildlife concerns can be reported to the state Department of Environmental Ptortection's Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011.