Coyote in Your Neighborhood? What to Do When You Spot One in New York?
This morning, while working in my office in the Capital Region, I noticed some movement outside my window. At first, I thought it was just a dog running through the yard. But when I looked more closely, I realized it wasn’t a dog at all—it was a coyote!
At first, I felt shocked and a little worried. Is it safe to be outside with a coyote in my yard? Are coyotes dangerous to humans or pets? What should I do if I spot a coyote in New York? Here’s what I’ve learned.
Coyotes have been living in New York State since the 1930s, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
If you’ve seen an animal that looks like a small German Shepherd, it might be a coyote. Coyotes are commonly seen in suburban areas, especially upstate. But are they dangerous? Well, it depends.
Coyotes rarely attack humans, but they can be a threat to pets. Dogs and cats are often seen as prey, which can put your pets at risk. If a coyote comes near your pet, it’s best to act quickly to protect them.
Urban Coyote, an organization that studies coyotes in cities, suggests some simple rules for dealing with coyotes when you see them:
- Don’t feed coyotes. This includes leaving trash out, or leaving pet food outside.
- Don’t let your pets roam free. Always keep your dog on a leash when walking, and don’t leave your cat outside unattended.
- DO make loud noises. Coyotes don’t like loud sounds, so shout or bang pots and pans if you see one.
- Don’t run from the coyote. Running may make the coyote think you are prey.
- DO leave the coyote alone. Most of the time, coyotes are just passing through and aren’t a danger.
In most cases, coyotes are not a serious threat. They are simply wild animals going about their business. By following these basic guidelines, you can stay safe and avoid problems with coyotes in your area.
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