Brazen Coyotes Showing Up More And More In The Northern Suburbs
CHAPPAQUA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) – Coyote sightings are up in the suburbs and the wild animals seem to bolder than ever before. The increase has people on the lookout, especially those with pets.
Pictures of a single coyote were taken at around 2:30 a.m. over the weekend in Yonkers, but in other areas the animals have been spotted in packs.
"(There has been a) steady increase in activity, especially here in Chappaqua," Jim Horton of Quality Pro Pest and Wildlife Services told CBS2's Alice Gainer on Monday. "It seems to be a lot of sightings going on."
Horton, who traps coyotes, said he had three calls about the animals on Monday alone.
"We use rubber-padded foot holds so no injury happens to the animals, no harm. I also install sensors on traps, so that I know immediately when the animals are caught and I'm usually there within minutes," Horton said.
Ann Styles Brochstein said her dog "Sampson" was attacked last April on her back patio and needed several surgeries.
"He was bitten on his back and he's got a scar here and then on his belly," Styles Brochstein said. "We've seen coyotes here more often in the last two years than in the previous 20."
Style Brochstein's wildlife camera captured a shot of a coyote recently in her backyard. Now she's part of a task force in town researching ways to deal with the animals to keep residents and pets safe.
"We recognize that coyotes are here to stay, but we don't advocate getting rid of all the coyotes. But they also have become very brazen and very habituated and they aren't afraid of people anymore," Styles Brochstein said.
Officials said even if you have a fenced-in yard you still shouldn't let your dog roam free, adding your pet should always be put on a leash, Gainer reported.
"Split-second and your pet is gone. They grab it and run. Always keep it on a leash. Invisible Fences are no good anymore," Horton said.
Officials said if residents see a coyote in their yard, they should call it in immediately and let their neighbors know.
Police in the area said they've had an increase in calls reporting coyotes in packs of five or six, Gainer reported.