Coyote Sightings On The Rise, Fairfield Police Warn

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield police are cautioning residents about an increase in coyote sightings.

The department has received complaints from residents as well as seen posts on social media that say the animals are frequenting yards and residential neighborhoods, according to Capt. Robert Kalamaras.

"It is currently their mating season and they are territorial animals, so they are a bit more active in marking their territory and challenging other males," Kalamaras said in an email.

The department in a Facebook post emphasized that the risk of a coyote attacking a person is low, but can increase if the animals are fed by people and learn to associate them with food.

Coyote habitats include wooded suburbs, parks, beaches and office parks, according to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, which said reports of coyotes killing pets have gone up in recent years and that domesticated animals should not be allowed to run free.

For more information about coyote safety and how to contact state wildlife officials to report a coyote problem, visit buff.ly/38ZcwIt.