I have been receiving lots of calls and e mails from concerned residents about coyotes in their neighborhood. As a result, I have invited Kevin Clarke, wildlife biologist for the Bureau of Wildlife, New York state Department of Environmental Conservation to appear at our upcoming Greenburgh Town Board meeting—Wednesday, April 25th from 7 PM to 8 PM.  The meeting, will be held at Greenburgh Town Hall, 177 Hillside Ave. It’s open to the public!

Mr. Clark will speak for about 20 minutes and will leave 40 minutes for questions. He will provide some information about coyote life history and what we know about urban coyotes, living with them, and options for home/landowners and municipalities to deal with the presence of coyotes in their neighborhoods.

COYOTE INFORMATION

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

               NY State D.E.C. Eastern Coyote

               Licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Search

PAUL FEINER