COYOTE

COYOTES

Just as deer are now often seen in our area, coyotes have also expanded their range, living and hunting in our parks and woodlands. If you have deer, coyotes are most likely in the area.

If seen in the wild coyotes stand out, looking more like a thin wolf than a domestic dog.

Scared and elusive of humans, most coyotes are never directly seen by the public. In the west, howling is a sure sign there is a pack in the region, but adjusting to their new environments most coyotes do not howl in urban areas. This makes their presence much harder to detect. They can sometimes be heard howling along with fire engines.
Coyotes have been sighted in northern Central Park
 and the Bronx. 

 Coyotes roam our parks and neighbors but are seldom seen by humans.
Their natural fear of humans is essential for survival.

Coyotes are a natural predator to much of the wildlife we find in our area; rabbits, rodents, groundhogs, Canada geese and deer fawns in the spring.  This helps keep down the populations of these animals which can become a nuisance.

Sadly coyotes will also take pets, small dogs and cats. If you live in an area where coyotes might roam take extra caution, especially at night. Fencing in your yard and keeping cats indoors will help avoid heartbreak. Missing cats are one of the first signs of coyotes in the area.

Coyotes are one of the few predators still active in our areas. They help cull the populations of other
animals and are on top of the food chain. 

Some Eastern coyotes have fur that is black or reddish. This hybridization was caused by coyotes interbreeding with domesticated dogs.
Coyotes mate is autumn which is when most sightings occur and they live in packs of as many as six. 

               

IF YOU SEE A COYOTE DO NOT TURN YOUR BACK 

AND DO NOT RUN AWAY

Coyotes can reach a speed of 40 MPH. 
Instead, stand tall and straight and never look away. Clap your hands, wave your arms, scream, shout, and if possible throw rocks and sticks at it. This will scare it away and help increase its fear of humans. Do not chase coyotes.  If cornered they will turn on you. Thankfully, coyotes are afraid of humans and will quickly scurry away. 

Coyote females can mate with domestic adding color to their fur.
They are still wild animals and should be respected and feared as such.