New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

January 2014

Region 7

Coyote Conflicts Fact Sheet

The New York State Department of Environmental (DEC) reminds the public that observations of coyotes are not
uncommon in suburban areas. These encounters are likely to become more frequent as the spaces occupied by people
and coyotes increasingly overlap. While most people are aware that coyotes exist in NY, many have the
misconception that coyotes live only in remote, forested habitats, far away from people. In reality, coyotes commonly
inhabit areas in close proximity to people, and suburban sprawl actually makes for ideal coyote habitat. A plentiful
food supply (e.g., mice and other small mammals, pet food and unsecured garbage) coupled with scattered protective
cover (e.g. parks, golf courses, cemeteries, and woodlots) enables coyotes to meet all of their needs, while allowing
them to travel less and defend smaller territories than would typically be necessary in more remote settings.
Coyotes have been present in parts of NY for nearly a century now. The coyotes range expansion into NY in the
early 1900s coincided with changes to the landscape that allowed the species to spread quickly throughout the state.
Farmland reverting to shrubland and forested habitats, along with the demise of gray wolves, enabled abundant and
increasing coyote populations to be established in most areas of NY by 1970, and today, coyote populations continue
to thrive and expand into new locations - including observations in New York City and on Long Island.
A common misconception about coyotes is the assumption that any seen out during daytime must be rabid. Its more
likely the animal is healthy and has increased feeding activity to meet the demands of raising young. As with any
wild animal, the potential for conflict exists. Cats and dogs allowed to run free are at risk of being injured or killed
not only by coyotes, but by dogs, other wildlife predators, and motor vehicles as well. To protect pets, they should be
kept indoors, or allowed outside only under supervision. Pets, especially in suburbs, should never be allowed to range
freely, not only for their own well-being, but also to prevent them from preying on native wildlife.
Coyote attacks on people are VERY RARE; as a matter of perspective, on average, 650 people are hospitalized and
one person is killed by dogs each year in NY, while only a handful of coyote attacks occur nationwide each year.
Aggressive or threatening behavior by coyotes towards people is most common in areas where coyotes have lost their
natural fear of people and/or have learned to associate people with a readily available source of food a problem that
has, in some instances, been exacerbated by people deliberately feeding coyotes. More information on coyote
conflicts can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6971.html.
Below are steps you should take to reduce the potential for conflicts with coyotes.
Do not feed coyotes and discourage others from doing so.
Unintentional food sources attract coyotes and other wildlife and increase risks to people and pets. To
reduce risks:
Do not feed pets outside.
Make any garbage inaccessible to coyotes and other animals.
Eliminate availability of bird seed. Concentrations of birds and rodents that come to feeders can
attract coyotes. If you see a coyote near your birdfeeder, clean up waste seed and spillage to
remove the attractant.

Do not allow coyotes to approach people or pets.

Teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance.
If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior - 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 allow pets to run free. Supervise all outdoor pets to keep them safe from coyotes and other wildlife,
especially at sunset and at night.
Fencing your yard may deter coyotes. The fence should be tight to the ground, preferably extending six inches
below ground level, and taller than 4 feet.
Remove brush and tall grass from around your property to reduce protective cover for coyotes. Coyotes are
typically secretive and like areas where they can hide.
Ask your neighbors to follow these same steps.
Most areas in NY have open hunting and trapping seasons for coyote, during which, properly licensed individuals
can take coyotes. Hunting season runs from October through March 30 each year in every wildlife management unit
outside of New York City and Long Island. There are three different trapping seasons for coyotes in New York. See
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30507.html for specific dates and locations.
In addition, Environmental Conservation Law (ECL 11-0523) allows 'problem coyotes' to be killed at other times of
the year. Section 11-0523 (destructive or menacing wildlife; taking without permit) allows the property owner,
occupant, or lessee to take coyotes without a permit at any time (in any manner consistent with local ordinances)
whenever the offending animal is injuring private property.