With a recent coyote sighting in Roslyn, the Nassau County SPCA today issued the following safety and behavior tips for residents in the Nassau County. There is no need for alarm or panic, but to minimize conflicts, it is important that people do their part to maintain the natural fear that coyotes have of humans.
Tips:
• If you see a coyote, dial 911. Do not allow coyotes to approach people or pets.
• Unintentional food sources attract coyotes, other wildlife and increase risks to people and pets.
• Do not feed coyotes. Discourage others from doing so.
• Do not feed pets outside. If you are feeding feral cats please stay and observe the cat feedings and remove all food before leaving.
• Eliminate availability of bird seed. Concentrations of birds and rodents at feeders can attract wildlife. If you see a coyote(s) near your birdfeeder, clean up waste seed and spillage to remove the attractant.
• Make certain that garbage is inaccessible to wildlife.
• Fence or enclose compost piles so they are not accessible.
• Teach children to appreciate wildlife from a distance as to avoid the risk of being injured.
• 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.
• 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. Small dogs (even if on leash) and cats are especially vulnerable to coyotes. Keep cats indoors.
• Conflicts between dogs and coyotes can happen any time of the year, but are more likely in the months of March and April. It is during this time that coyotes are setting up their denning areas for the soon-to-arrive pups.
• 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 home to reduce protective cover for coyotes. Coyotes are typically secretive and like areas where they can hide.
• Be aware people do coexist with coyotes but caution, care and common sense must be used.
Additional Resources:
To report animal cruelty, call 516-THE-SPCA, email crueltystoppers@ncspca.us or visit nassaucountyspca.org.
If are reporting an emergency, or that an animal is it about to be imminently injured or killed, call 911 and request immediate police response.
The Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization originally designed to protect animals in the county from abuse and neglect, and to provide basic welfare. The organization holds special authority to enforce NYS Agriculture & Markets Law, and all other state and local humane laws. It is the only animal protection agency officially designated to operate within the county’s borders.
The NCSPCA is a volunteer organization dedicated to the rescue, care and placement of needy animals. The society receives no public funding and is run entirely by unpaid volunteers and its operations have been historically funded through contributions solicited from the public and through corporate grants.
