Rye Issues Coyote Warnings

RYE, NY — Just a day after being named one of the best beach towns in the U.S. to live in, Rye officials are warning residents of an uptick in sightings of some wild new neighbors in town.

The city issued a coyote warning on Thursday morning.

While noting that seeing a coyote in Rye is not especially rare, city officials are alerting residents to take a few common sense precautions to make sure man and beast are able to coexist peacefully. The warning also asks the public to report any coyote sightings to both the Rye Police Department and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Homeowners are being warned not to approach the wild animals in any situation and to never feed a coyote. Potential food sources, such as bird feeders, pet food stored outdoors and refuse containers should be secured so as not to attract unwelcome visitors.

Pet owners should not allow their furry friends to run free and parents are asked to closely supervise children outdoors.

In the unlikely event someone is approached by a coyote, they should not run away. Instead, the alert recomends being aggressive — this includes making loud noises, waving one's arms and throwing sticks and stones. Officials say these behaviors will almost always scare the animals away.

If you see a coyote in Rye, contact Rye Police at 914-967-1234 and the DEC at 845-256-3098.

SEE ALSO:

• "Beware Of Coyotes!" Town of Bedford Issues Alert To Residents
• 2 Hudson Valley Beach Towns Named Among Best In U.S.