Brazen Coyotes in Packs in Briarcliff: Village Manager

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, NY — Village Manager Philip Zegarelli issued an alert Wednesday to residents, describing an increased number of reported coyote sightings.

In particular, he said there have been reports of packs.

Village officials warn residents not to walk their pets unleashed, and to be aware that unaccompanied pets in a fenced-in backyard could also be at risk.

Here is the text of his alert:

We have received an uptick in Coyote sightings: of late in the Tree Streets, Cedar Drive East and Long Hill Road. There have been reports in the Town of Ossining and Pocantico Hills. While Coyotes are active year-round, there is a natural increase during the seasonal change from Fall to Winter.
Most sightings are in the early morning and at the end of day. This also tends to be the same time when homeowners either let their dogs/cats out in the yard or walk their pets in the neighborhood. However, brazen packs of coyotes have been seen in the middle of the day. We are warning you that unaccompanied pets even in your fenced in backyard or walking your pets unleashed have the potential for a lethal confrontation. Keep your pets leashed and under tight control. You should not confront coyotes but retreat to the safety of your home.
Reports to the PD and myself are always important but understand that the PD is limited from engaging coyotes for a whole series of issues: the primary being the safety of your neighbors and the immediate surroundings. That being said, we are investigating the hiring of trappers or similar services that may be able to stem the current conditions.

The Eastern coyote is firmly established in New York, officials from New York Department of Environmental Conservation say. The DEC offers steps residents should take to reduce and prevent coyote problems from occurring. For additional information see the department's wildlife damage control page.

• Do not feed coyotes and discourage others from doing so (also see "Feeding Wildlife: a wrong choice").
• Unintentional food sources attract coyotes and other wildlife and increase risks to people and pets. To reduce risks:
  • Do not feed pets outside.
  • Make any garbage inaccessible to coyotes and other animals.
  • Eliminate availability of bird seed. Concentrations of birds and rodents that come to feeders can attract coyotes. If you see a coyote near your birdfeeder, 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, 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.
• Regulated hunting and trapping increases the "fear" coyotes have towards people.
• Fencing your yard may deter coyotes. The fence should be tight to the ground, preferably extending six inches below ground level, and taller than 4 feet.
• Remove brush and tall grass from around your property to reduce protective cover for coyotes. Coyotes are typically secretive and like areas where they can hide. See "Tips to Eliminate Wildlife Conflicts" for more information.
• Contact your local police department and NYSDEC regional office for assistance if you notice that coyotes are exhibiting "bold" behaviors and have little or no fear of people.
• Ask your neighbors to follow these same steps.

Potential does exist for coyote attacks in New York. However, to provide perspective, DEC officials point out that on average, 650 people are hospitalized and one person killed by dogs each year in New York State; whereas, nationwide, only a handful of coyote attacks occur yearly.

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