Reports of Coyotes in Eastchester

The following is an alert from the Eastchester Police Department:

The Eastchester Police Department has been in receipt of several reports of coyote sightings in both the north end and south end of town. Understanding that a coyote may live nearby is the first step in preventing an unwanted negative interaction. The Spring season is an active time of the year for coyotes, as they are commonly seeking food for newly born litters. We request that any unusual or aggressive behavior observed, be reported to our department at 914-961-3464. The following are some steps you can take to reduce/prevent coyote problems from occurring:

· Do not feed coyotes
· If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior - make loud noises,        
wave your arms, throw sticks and stones, bang pots/pans, spray it with a hose, etc…
· Train the animal so that it is uncomfortable in the area
· Do not allow pets to run free (especially small dogs and cats)
· 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
· 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.
 
Putting it into perspective: (taken from NYS D.E.C.)
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.
 
You may find more information on coyote behavior at the following links: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6971.html
                                                                                                                           http://nwco.net/PDF/coyote.pdf