The DEC estimates that 20,000-30,000 coyotes make the Empire State their home. "As coyotes become more adapted to living near people, hearing or seeing coyotes may become more common," says Gordon Batcheller, a supervising wildlife biologist with the DEC Bureau of Wildlife, and Curtis' primary DEC collaborator on the coyote study. "These increased sightings should not be interpreted as aggressive behavior. A coyote seen in overgrown fields, brushy areas, woodlands or habitats in between these areas of natural cover is normal."
During the spring and early summer, coyote sightings in both rural and developed areas are likely to be more frequent because the animals are raising their litters and require more food.
To minimize contact, the DEC recommends:
# Never feed or attempt to get close to a coyote.
# Keep pets under control and do not to leave them out at night. Coyotes may kill or injure a pet, especially small dogs and cats. Walk dogs on leashes and accompany pets outdoors, especially at night. Provide secure shelters for poultry, rabbits and other vulnerable animals.
# Keep trash secure and compost bins covered.
# Monitor bird feeders to ensure that they are not attracting other wildlife.
# Keep dog and cat food bowls inside.
# Since coyotes like to hide in areas near food, keep bushes thinned and close off crawl spaces to prevent coyotes from resting or denning under buildings.
To report a coyote that is acting strangely or causing a nuisance, call the nearest regional DEC office. For contact information for DEC regional offices, see www.dec.state.ny.us/website/about/abtrull3.html .
Related World Wide Web sites:
# For more information on coyotes in New York State:
www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/wildlife/wildgame/coyconfl.htm
# To avoid conflicts with coyotes:
www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/wildlife/coyinny.htm