Recent Coyote Sightings In Village Of Mamaroneck Rile Neighborhood

MAMARONECK, NY — Neighbors detailed some uncomfortably close interactions with wild coyotes in recent days, but environmental officials say the animals almost never pose a danger to people.

Village Manager Jerry Barberio received several emails from residents over the weekend telling him that they have seen one or more large coyotes in the backyards of houses in the Soundview Drive and Otter Creek Preserve areas. One resident reported seeing a coyote kill a groundhog. Many of the residents were concerned about the danger coyotes pose to children and pets.

Barberio said that the Village of Mamaroneck cannot trap coyotes because they do not have a NYS DEC permit at the moment. The previous permit expired and needs to be renewed.

Information from the Village of Mamaroneck's Coyote Ad-Hoc Committee can be found here.

Earlier this month, the Pelham Manor Police Department issued a coyote advisory after sightings in both the north and south ends of the village. Just the next day, the Mount Vernon Police Department warned residents that a small dog was attacked by what was reported to be a coyote. It is unclear if it was the same coyote seen in Pelham Manor that attacked the dog in Mount Vernon. There have also been recent social media posts about coyote sightings in Larchmont and New Rochelle.

While coyote attacks are rare in Westchester County, a coyote that later tested positive for rabies attacked several people in Hastings and Yonkers in 2018.

There are a few common sense precautions suggested by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to make sure man and beast are able to coexist peacefully.

Homeowners are warned to not approach the wild animals in any situation and to never feed a coyote. Potential food sources, such as bird feeders, pet food stored outdoors and refuse containers, should be secured so as not to attract unwelcome visitors.

Pet owners should not allow their furry friends to run free and parents are asked to closely supervise children outdoors.

In the unlikely event someone is approached by a coyote, they should not run away. Instead, it is recommended to be aggressive — this includes making loud noises, waving one's arms and throwing sticks and stones. Officials say these behaviors will almost always scare the animals away.

If a coyote attack to any person or animal is imminent, call 911. If you see a coyote that is acting "bold" or appears to not fear people, you can also contact the DEC at 845-256-3098 or 845-256-3013.

SEE ALSO:

• Coyote Caught On Camera Using The New Mario Cuomo Bridge Bike Path
• Police Issue Alert After Dog Attacked By Coyote In Westchester
• Yonkers PD Tells Neighbors To Expect Increased Coyote Activity
• "Beware Of Coyotes!" Town of Bedford Issues Alert To Residents
• Pelham Manor Police Issue Coyote Advisory
• Rye Issues Coyote Warnings
• Coyote Shot In Westchester Tested Positive For Rabies
• Family Dog Killed By Coyote In Rye Neck