Why coyote confrontations are up in Hudson Valley, and what to do if you're approached
Poughkeepsie City Councilman Evan Menist and his dog, Harvey, were stalked and charged by a coyote during a recent walk in College Hill Park near Morgan Lake. The coyote, hissing and staggering, came within five feet.
Earlier in February, a coyote bit a student in the leg at Marist College. The student had to undergo rabies shots.
Last week, a coyote charged at a man and his dog in Secor Woods Park in Ardsley but was scared away. Later in the week, a coyote attacked a dog and knocked down its owner about a mile and a half away in the village.
State wildlife experts say the problem isn't the result of any change in the population of coyotes – it's human actions that have caused the change in coyote behavior.
Coyote confrontation: Get loud
Menist said he and Harvey were trudging along, the 18-month-old rescue hound on a long leash, when he caught a glimpse of the coyote out of the corner of his eye.
He tried to back away, but the coyote "was not interested in letting me get away," said Menist, adding that his former Boy Scout experience kicked in. "I knew I had to get loud."
His actions were similar to what the state Department of Environmental Conservation advises:
Do not let a coyote approach anyone.
If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior. Stand tall and hold your arms out to look large. If a coyote lingers for too long, make loud noises, wave your arms, or throw sticks and stones.
Contact your local police department and DEC regional office for assistance if you notice that coyotes are exhibiting "bold" behaviors and have little or no fear of people.
Teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance. Children are at greatest risk of being injured by coyotes. If a coyote has been observed repeatedly near an area where children frequent, be watchful.
Menist, amid the standoff, called 911. City of Poughkeepsie police and animal control were sent.
"It's not my first encounter with a coyote and not my first encounter with somewhat dangerous wildlife," said Menist, who grew up hunting and fishing. But he admits it did shake him up a bit.
"It was a just a crazy experience," the Democratic councilman said. "I'm just thankful it was me who came across it and not an elderly person or a child who couldn't defend themselves."
How dangerous are coyotes? Attacks against adults are rare, but kids and pets face risks.
Food trumps natural fear
We're at the height of breeding season for coyotes, which peaks from late February to early March. This makes the animals more aggressive.
People and coyotes, though, can usually co-exist.
That is, if coyotes' natural fear of people is maintained.
In suburbia, though, coyotes are often fed by humans, either on purpose or inadvertently by those who leave out pet food, bird feeders and uncovered trash.
Coyotes can become emboldened and lose their fear of people.
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Risk of rabies
Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said if a coyote appears aggressive or lethargic, "it could have rabies, so contact local police.”
Anyone who is bitten or scratched by a coyote should go to the nearest hospital, Amler said.
Dutchess County officials said on Feb. 28 that the coyote that stalked and approached Menist and Harvey in Poughkeepsie had tested negative for rabies. It was a relief, Menist said.
But the recent spate of encounters, including his own experience, were concerning. "This is not normal, for sure," he said.
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This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Coyote encounters are increasing in the Hudson Valley: What to do
