Hastings-on-Hudson, NY -- Over the last week, there have been two coyote attacks on children in Rye. I would like to take a moment to review some ground rules about coexisting with coyotes. There have been a number of coyote sightings in Hastings (I observed a robust, adult coyote on my own block earlier in June) and so it seems prudent to pass on advice on what you can do.
The Eastern coyote is firmly established in New York and is becoming an integral part of our ecosystem. People and coyotes can usually coexist if the natural fear of people that coyotes have is maintained. Coyotes are, however, becoming habituated to people: they smell our odor on the food they forage from garbage cans, and see us behave like prey by recoiling from them. As a result, there is a a greater chance of human/coyote interaction and aggression than in the past. There is no need to call the police if you spot a coyote that flees. However, if you observe a coyote which appears to be lingering in an area and does not move on when you make noise or if the coyote is aggressive, you should report it to the police (478-2344).
These are the actions you should take and cautions you should observe:
* Never 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 your pets to run free, especially at night. Cats and small dogs, especially, are vulnerable.
* Do not feed your pets outside.
* Secure your garbage so it is 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.
* Remove brush and tall grass from around your property to reduce protective cover for coyotes.
* Teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance.
* Ask your neighbors to follow these same steps.
Like the other animals we coexist with, coyotes are not going away. If we follow these basic rules, there should be few or no problems.
More information is available at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6971.html
Peter Swiderski is Mayor of the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson
