Coyote Caught On Camera Using The New Mario Cuomo Bridge Bike Path

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — A wily Hudson Valley coyote didn't need to order a jetpack from the ACME Corp. to make his way high above the Hudson River; the wild canine simply made use of the foot path on the Governor Mario Cuomo Bridge.

The views of the Palisades and the river are remarkable enough from the recently opened pedestrian access on the bridge that spans the Hudson between Westchester County and Rockland County, but a few adventuresome hikers, runners and cyclists were treated to an up-close (but not too close) brush with Mother Nature.

Earlier this month, Michele Zandona was jogging on the nearly 4-mile-long bridge path when an unexpected furry companion joined her during the run. Zandona shared photos and videos with Hudson Valley radio station WPDH. The coyote can be seen running up behind her and joining runners as they crossed the river.

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"At first I was afraid, but then I was laughing because he was scared," Zandona told News 12 Westchester. "I was scared, and I knew he was not going to bite me because of the way he was acting. He was very beautiful. He was very fluffy, not going to lie."

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.

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 and waving one's arms. 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.