Aggressive Coyote Euthanized In Ridgefield After Bite

RIDGEFIELD, CT — An aggressive coyote that bit a Ridgefield resident earlier this month was tracked down and euthanized by animal control officials, police said.

The Ridgefield Police Department said it was notified Jan. 10 of a coyote that bit a local resident and was acting aggressively in the area between Farmingville Road and Haviland Road. Additional reports followed, describing similar behavior by the animal in the surrounding neighborhood.

On Jan. 14, Animal Control Officer Kristopher Zulkeski located the coyote, contained it and euthanized it, police said. Officers from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection assisted with the investigation.

Police also used the incident to remind residents that coyote mating season runs from January through March, a period when the animals are typically more active and visible.

During mating season, officials said, coyotes may view dogs of any size as potential threats or competition. Residents are advised to keep dogs leashed at all times unless they are in a securely fenced yard, avoid leaving pets unattended outdoors—particularly from dusk to dawn—and use loud noises or make themselves appear larger if they encounter a coyote to encourage it to move away.

Authorities said residents should contact police or animal control if there is direct physical contact or a bite involving a person or pet, if a coyote appears injured or ill, or if the animal shows unprovoked, bold aggression toward people.

Officials noted that seeing a healthy coyote in wooded areas or open fields is common and generally not a cause for concern, calling it a normal part of living in the community.