Greenburgh Police Issues Safety Tips for Dealing with Coyotes

The Greenburgh Police Department has posted the following alert on its website to advise residents on how to deal with coyotes. In recent years, a growing number of sightings have been reported to town and police department officials:

The Greenburgh Police Department recognizes the challenges presented by the potential interaction between coyotes, citizens, their children and pets. We offer the following information and links to assist our residents in identifying these animals and making informed lifestyle decisions to avoid negative contacts with them.

Important Coyote Safety Tips from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation web page:

1. Do not feed coyotes.

2. If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior - make loud noises, wave your arms, throw sticks and stones.

3. Do not allow pets to run free.

4. Do not feed pets outside.

5. Make any garbage inaccessible to coyotes and other animals.

6. Eliminate availability of bird seed. Coyotes are attracted to the concentration of birds and rodents that come to feeders. If you do feed birds, clean up waste seed and spillage.

7. Fencing your yard may deter coyotes. The fence should be tight to the ground, preferably extending six inches below ground level.

8. Remove brush and tall grass from around your property to reduce protective cover for coyotes.

9. Teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance.

10. Regulated hunting and trapping increases the “fear” coyotes have towards people.

11. Ask your neighbors to follow these same steps.

Please Visit These Informative Coyote Related Links To Learn More:

NY State D.E.C.: Preventing and Resolving Coyote Conflicts

Desert USA: General Coyote Information

Patch file photo.