March 14, 2022-Warning for Nassau County of Recent Coyote Sightings in the Area

There is a new warning for Nassau County following recent coyote sightings.

The town and Nassau SPCA say there were recent coyote sightings at the Shu Swamp Nature Preserve in Lattingtown and other North Shore communities this week.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilwoman Michele Johnson and Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Board President Gary Rogers issued some safety and behavior tips for residents.

10 tips to help prevent conflicts between people and coyotes:

1. Do not feed coyotes.

2. Do not leave food outside. Pet food and garbage attract coyotes and other wildlife, and increase risks to people and pets. Do not feed pets outside. Prevent access to garbage. Fence or enclose compost piles. Eliminate availability of bird seed. Concentrations of birds and rodents that come to feeders can attract coyotes.

3. Do not allow coyotes to approach people or pets. If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior: stand tall and hold your arms up or out to look as large as possible. If a coyote lingers for too long, make loud noises, wave your arms and throw sticks and stones.

4. Teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance.

5. Do not allow pets to run free. Supervise outdoor pets to keep them safe from coyotes and other wildlife, especially at sunset and at night. Small dogs and cats are especially vulnerable.

6. Fence yards to deter coyotes. The fence should be tight to the ground, preferably extending six inches below ground level and taller than four feet.

7. Remove brush and tall grass from around homes to reduce protective cover for coyotes. Coyotes are typically secretive and like areas where they can hide.

8. Contact the local police department and local environmental department for assistance if coyotes exhibit bold behaviors and have little or no fear of people, or if seen repeatedly during the daytime in a human-populated area or near residences. Seeing a coyote occasionally throughout the year is not evidence of bold behavior.

9. Ask neighbors to also follow these steps to prevent coyote conflicts. 

10. If confronted, stand tall, and hold arms out to look large. If a coyote lingers for too long, then make loud noises, wave your arms, throw sticks and stones. Do not run away, running away after seeing a coyote is behaving like prey.

Source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation