Coyotes Following Dog Walkers In Braga Park: Newport Police

NEWPORT, RI—Almost a year ago, Cliff, Newport's most famous coyote, escaped a death sentence when the state Department of Environmental Management agreed to relocate him to the wild. Cliff had never attacked anyone, but he had developed a habit of hanging around the school bus stop and seeing the children off in the morning. After experts determined he had lost his fear of humans, they recommended destroying him. But public outcry and some intervention by Newport City Councilor John Florez saved Cliff from being gunned down by coyote hunters. He was captured and relocated on Oct. 5 last year.

But now, his old stomping ground has become a safety issue again. According to Newport police, coyotes are a problem in and around Braga Park.

"Dog walkers are reporting that coyotes are walking very close and following them in the park," police said. "The coyotes have been observed lounging out in the open, near dwellings and have displayed no fear of humans. This behavior may be due to easy food sources in the area and people feeding them."

So far, the coyotes are not "acting in an aggressive manner and we are actively working on this issue," police said. People are asked to call the Newport Police Department at 401-847-1212 if they see a coyote near Braga Park.

Meanwhile, police remind the public their dogs are supposed to be leashed and they're not to feed the coyotes or leave food where they can grab it (such as by putting out bread for the birds).

Here are the police department's recommendations:

• Inform young children not to feed or approach any wild animal.

• Do not leave garbage containers open or accessible to animals.

• Do not feed your pets outdoors.

• Keep cats and small animals in doors.

• Use loud noises to discourage coyotes.

Photo of Cliff, Courtesy: Tracy Donovan O'Malley