Avoid those coyote conflicts

The Eastern coyote is firmly established in New York. They live in New York as an integral part of our ecosystem. People and coyotes can usually coexist if the natural fear of people that coyotes have is maintained.

Below are some steps you can take to reduce/prevent coyote problems from occurring. For additional information see our wildlife damage control page.

+ Do not feed coyotes

+ If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior - make loud noises, wave your arms, throw sticks and stones.

+ Do not allow pets to run free.

+ Do not feed pets outside.

+ Make any garbage inaccessible to coyotes and other animals.

+ Eliminate availability of bird seed. Coyotes are attracted to the concentration of birds and rodents that come to feeders. If you do feed birds, clean up waste seed and spillage.

+ Fencing your yard may deter coyotes. The fence should be tight to the ground, preferably extending six inches below ground level.

+ Remove brush and tall grass from around your property to reduce protective cover for coyotes

+ Teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance.

+ Regulated hunting and trapping increases the "fear" coyotes have towards people.

+ Ask your neighbors to follow these same steps.

Coyotes and People

Coyotes provide a great deal of benefits to New Yorkers thru observation, photography, hunting and trapping. However, not all interactions are pleasant. Some coyotes in suburbia have lost their fear of people. This can result in a dangerous situation. A coyote who does not fear people should be considered dangerous. Coyotes in residential areas quickly learn to associate food with people. Suburban coyote food (garbage, pet food, pets) is saturated with human odor. Human behavior has changed to be non-threatening to coyotes (running into your home after seeing a coyote is behaving like prey). In short, food smells like people and people behave like prey. Add to the mix people intentionally feeding coyotes and the potential for a coyote attack becomes very real.

Potential does exist for coyote attacks in New York. However, a little perspective may be in order. On average 650 people are hospitalized and one person killed by dogs each year in New York State. Nationwide, only a handful of coyote attacks occur yearly.