Teen, Father Bitten By Coyote In Watertown: DEEP

WATERTOWN, CT — A 13-year-old and their father were both bitten by a coyote Monday in Watertown, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

In an email Tuesday afternoon, DEEP spokesperson James Fowler confirmed the department's EnCon Police division were called to the 200 block of Cherry Avenue after receiving a report of a teen and their father having been bitten by a coyote.

According to Fowler, the teen and father's injuries were not reported to be severe, and the family took the child for medical treatment themselves.

The coyote ran off after the bite and was already gone when officers arrived in the area, Fowler said.

Fowler also noted coyotes are common throughout Connecticut and are well-adapted to living near people, however they can pose risks to pets, livestock and occasionally humans, especially if they lose their natural fear of people or feel threatened near their dens during pup-rearing season.

Connecticut residents can take some simple steps to prevent conflicts with coyotes and keep everyone safe, according to Fowler:

• Keep pets indoors or closely supervised; always walk dogs on a leash and never let cats or dogs roam freely.
• Never feed coyotes or leave out food that could attract them, including garbage, pet food, bird seed and fallen fruit.
• If you see a coyote, make loud noises, wave your arms, or spray it with water to scare it away — do not run or turn your back.
• Protect livestock and poultry with secure pens or fencing; invisible dog fences do not keep coyotes out.
• Report any coyote that is acting aggressively, stalking people or pets or showing signs of illness (like staggering or seizures) to local authorities or DEEP.
• Check for and block access to potential den sites near homes, such as under sheds, porches or decks, before April.
• Work with neighbors to ensure everyone is following these guidelines.

If a coyote is posing a serious threat to public health or safety, a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator may be permitted to trap and remove it, Fowler said.

Further information on living with coyotes can be found on the DEEP website.

For more information or to report a problem, residents can contact their local Animal Control or the DEEP Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011, or DEEP Emergency Dispatch at 860-424-3333 if the threat is immediate.