Yonkers PD Tells Neighbors To Expect Increased Coyote Activity

YONKERS, NY — Yonkers Police Department is telling residents to keep an eye out for some wild neighbors roaming about.

The city issued a notice on Tuesday, urging residents to keep in mind that January through March is coyote mating season in New York and the animals might be seen in local neighborhoods.

Yonkers PD recommended that residents follow guidance on human/coyote contact from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

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.

Any coyote sightings can be reported to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

There are a few common sense precautions to make sure man and beast are able to coexist peacefully.

Homeowners are being warned not to 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 you see a coyote that is acting “bold” or appears to not fear people, contact the DEC at 845-256-3098.