HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON, NY — Coyotes are mostly good neighbors, but public safety officials are reminding us that we need to do our part as well.
The Hastings-on-Hudson Police Department said it has recently received reports of coyote sightings in several areas of the village.
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The department urged the Hudson River community to be on alert for coyote activity. They also advised residents to not leave small pets outdoors unattended and to 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.
In May of 2025, 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.
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