The Haddams-Killingworth Residents be Advised, Coyote Population Growing in Connecticut

NEW LONDON, CT - The New London Police Department is warning residents that the Coyote population has grown tremendously in Connecticut over recent years.

As a result, Coyotes have become opportunistic and use a variety of habitats, including residential neighborhoods and parks. Their ability to survive and take advantage of food sources found in and around these “man-made” habitats has resulted in an increase in coyote sightings and related conflicts, according to a release.

Police said a coyote’s diet consists predominantly of mice, woodchucks, squirrels, rabbits, deer, some fruits, carrion, and garbage when available.

Some coyotes will also prey on small livestock, poultry and small pets. In Connecticut, unsupervised pets, particularly outdoor cats and small dogs (less than 25 pounds) are vulnerable to coyote attacks.

As coyotes have become more common, public concerns about coyotes attacking pets and people, especially children, have increased. Although some coyotes may exhibit bold behavior near people, the risk of a coyote attacking a person is extremely low.

This risk can increase if coyotes are intentionally fed and then learn to associate people with food.

Coyotes are most active at night but may be active during daylight hours, particularly during the young-rearing period and longer days of summer. Daytime activity alone is not indicative of rabies.

The Department has also provided a list of what they call Coyote Do’s & Don’ts:

• 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, banging pots & pans, etc.).
• 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.

Contact the DEEP Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011 for more information on coyotes or other wildlife problems.

Issues related to Coyote problems should be referred to DEEP. To report coyote problems and for control information, contact the DEEP Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011.

To report wildlife animals that are behaving abnormally or are posing an immediate public threat, contact the 24-Hour DEEP Emergency Dispatch Office at 860-424-3333.

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