Police Issue Alert About Coyote Venturing Downtown In Port Chester

PORT CHESTER, NY — Port Chester police are gently reminding a curious coyote that wooded areas make a much better domain than urban and residential areas crowded with cars and people. Officials are also reminding the public to use common sense and keep a respectful distance from our wild neighbors.

The Port Chester Police Department issued an alert late Saturday night that there were reports of a coyote in Lyon Park. They also said that there were reports of the same coyote as far downtown as Oak St. on Saturday. Police said that after a long chase, they were able to locate the coyote and get him back into a wooded area on upper King St.

"Hopefully the coyote got the message to stay clear of congested/residential areas," police added.

They also advised residents that since there were reports of coyote sightings all week, small pets should not be left outdoors unattended.

Residents can consult the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website's best practices for avoiding conflict with coyotes.

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.

Just a week ago, the Harrison Police Department issued an alert for residents to be on alert for coyote activity, especially in the Purchase area.

This past May, the Pelham Manor Police Department issued a coyote advisory about coyote sightings in both the north and south ends of the village. The day after, Mount Vernon police warned residents that a small dog was attacked by what was reported to be a coyote. Later that month, there were several coyote sightings in and around Mamaroneck. One coyote was even spotting going for a stroll on the Mario Cuomo Bridge bike path.

There are a few common sense precautions suggested by the 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 you see a coyote that is acting "bold" or appears to not fear people, you can contact the DEC at 845-256-3098 or 845-256-3013.

SEE ALSO:

• Police Issue Alert About Coyote Activity In Purchase
• Recent Coyote Sightings In Village Of Mamaroneck Rile Neighborhood
• 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