Don't Feed The Coyotes: Experts Advise LI On New Wild Residents

LONG ISLAND, NY — Long Islanders will see more and more of their newest wild neighbors, Eastern coyotes, now that breeding pairs are established, experts say.

Wild coyotes have been spotted in Queens in recent years, and several sightings were confirmed in Suffolk County; but the Long Island Coyote Study Group says that now there is actual evidence of coyote couples raising a family in the suburbs, otherwise known as "territorial pairs that are successfully breeding."

Dr. Russell Burke, a biology professor at Hofstra University, said in a recent news release from the study group that the locations of the pairs will not be revealed to protect the canines. But now that the coyotes are residing on Long Island, more and more will colonize the area, leading to increased contact between humans and coyotes.

The study group is a coalition of academic institutions, nonprofits and government officials that monitor the colonization of coyotes on Long Island and their ecological impact. The group also works to educate residents how to coexist with the newly arrived species.

It's expected, experts say, that the coyotes will adapt to their new home on Long Island.

“Coyotes are among the most resilient and adaptable animals in nature,” said Mike Bottini from the Seatuck Environmental Association. “They keep to themselves, stay out of the way, and rely on a diversity of natural food, including rodents, birds, insects, and plants. Coyotes will replace long-lost top predators and have a positive impact on our ecological health.”

Just like many Long Island transplants, the coyotes are making their way east from New York City for more space and territory. Frank Vincenti, founder of the Wild Dog Foundation, says that although coyotes have a natural aversion to humans, commonsense measures can help keep it that way.

"These include securing food sources like garbage and pet food, carefully watching small children, keeping small pets close at hand or on a leash, and loudly scaring off any coyotes that venture too close."

Below are some tips from the Long Island Coyote Study Group about how to manage any coyote encounters.

Avoid attracting coyotes:

• Coyotes look for food and shelter, so avoid anything that might attract them to your yard.
• Make sure any trash/compost/waste is secured if stored outdoors, and try not to leave it out for long periods.
• Keep any sheltered areas cleared out and closed off if possible, such as crawl spaces under porches, outdoor sheds, etc.
• If you have bird feeders, make sure the food is stored securely, and regularly clean the areas around feeders, seeds on the ground invite small mammals like squirrels that attract coyotes.
• Keep family and pets safe.

Coyotes very rarely attack humans and have a natural aversion to people:

• When dealing with a coyote, never turn and run from them because that can trigger their instinct to chase you.
• Keep small pets on leashes when walking them, especially at dusk or nighttime.
• Do not leave small pets alone and unmonitored in your yard, especially at dusk or nighttime.
• Scare off curious coyotes.

If you do see coyotes in your area/property, make them feel uncomfortable until they leave, so that they are less likely to return:

• Look big and be loud, yell at the coyote and advance toward it slowly until it completely leaves the area.
• You can bang pots and pans, use noisemakers or whistles, or spray a hose at it.
• If the coyote is not moving or keeps stopping and turning to look at you, continue this behavior because it will eventually run away.
• Throw small sticks or balls toward (not at) the coyote to scare it away.
• You want to make them feel unwelcome/unsafe without actually causing any harm.