Coyote Spotted in Stony Hill, Drags Away Groundhog for Lunch

A resident spotted a coyote on Wednesday afternoon on Hawleyville Road, in the Stony Hill section of Bethel.

According to Lauren Hunt Nault, the coyote was approximately 40 pounds and was seen in her yard at around 12 noon. Nault observed the coyote pick up a groundhog and drag it off into the woods.

Animal Control was called and told Nault that there was nothing they could do but to call back if she spotted the coyote again.

According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, a coyote’s diet consists of mice, woodchucks, squirrels, rabbits, deer, some fruits and carrion. Coyotes may also prey on small livestock, poultry, and small pets. Unsupervised pets such as outdoor cats and small dogs that weigh less than 25 pounds are vulnerable to coyote attacks.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection offer the following tips on preventing conflicts with coyotes:

• DO NOT allow pets to run free! Keep cats indoors, particularly at night, and small dogs on a leash or under close supervision at all times. The installation of a kennel or coyote-proof fencing is a long-term solution for protecting pets. A variety of livestock fencing and small animal pen designs can protect farm animals.
• NEVER feed coyotes! DO NOT place food out for any mammals. Clean up bird seed below feeders, pet foods, and fallen fruit. Secure garbage and compost in animal proof containers.
• Always walk dogs on a leash. If approached by a coyote while walking your dog, keep the dog under control and calmly leave the area. DO NOT run or turn your back. Coyotes are territorial and many reports of bold coyotes visiting yards, howling, or threatening larger dogs can often be attributed to this territorial behavior.
• Attempt to frighten away coyotes by making loud noises (e.g., shouting, air horn) and acting aggressively (e.g., waving your arms, throwing sticks, spraying with a hose).
• Be aware of any coyote behaving abnormally or exhibiting unusually bold behavior (e.g., approaching people for food, attacking leashed pets that are with their owners, stalking children, chasing joggers or bikers, etc.) and report these incidents to authorities immediately.
• Be aware of and report any coyotes exhibiting behavior indicative of rabies, such as staggering, seizures, and extreme lethargy. Daytime activity is not uncommon and does not necessarily indicate rabies.
• Teach children to recognize coyotes and to go inside the house (do not run) or climb up on a swing or deck and yell if they are approached.
• Close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds that coyotes or other animals may use.
• Educate your neighbors. Ask them to follow these same steps.
• Regulated hunting and trapping may be used to remove problem coyotes in areas where it is safe and legal to do so.
• Contact the DEP Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011 for more information on coyotes or other wildlife problems.

To report coyote problems and for control information:
Local Animal Control Division, DEP Wildlife Division: (860) 424-3011.

To report animals that are behaving abnormally or are posing an immediate public threat:
Local Police Department, DEP Emergency Dispatch Office (24 hrs.): (860) 424-3333.

Photo: Flickr Creative Commons