Clinton Resident Wants To Warn Others About Coyote Sightings

From Clinton Patch reader Mariah Parks on our Facebook page: 

"I get home from work usually after 2 a.m.. Last week I saw a coyote each night. One ran across the main road into the Pradipika yoga studio parking lot (246 E. Main), one before McDonald's, another crossing Main St. and down the side street beside Bank of America, and one in the front yard of the Captain Dibbell house. This evening a neighbor came over to warn us that he had seen one in his yard early this morning on Harbor Parkway one block up from the marina. I would hate for anyone's dog or cat to be attacked in the neighborhood. I'm guessing they are going after rabbits that are all throughout the entire neighborhood. If you could post something I would appreciate it! Thank you!!!" 

Mariah is right that coyotes this time of year pose a potential danger to family pets. At this time of year, the family groups of dispersing to prepare for winter, according to the state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. 

Here is some additional information about coyotes from the state DEEP: 

Living with Coyotes
As coyotes have become more common, public concerns about coyotes attacking pets and people, especially children, have increased. Although some coyotes may exhibit bold behavior near people, the risk of a coyote attacking a person is extremely low. This risk can increase if coyotes are intentionally fed and then learn to associate people with food.

Coyotes will attack and kill pets, especially cats and small dogs (less than 25 pounds). The best way to protect pets is to not allow them to run free. Cats should be kept indoors, particularly at night, and small dogs should be on a leash and under close supervision at all times. The installation of a kennel or coyote-proof fencing is a long-term solution for protecting pets. In addition, homeowners should eliminate other sources of attraction to coyotes including pet food left outdoors, table scraps on compost piles, and decaying fruit below fruit trees.

Coyotes will attack a variety of livestock but sheep and fowl are at greatest risk. Coyotes pose very little danger to horses and cattle. The probability of a coyote attack can be reduced by penning susceptible livestock and poultry at night. Some fences effectively exclude coyotes but require careful maintenance. Guard dogs have been used successfully to reduce coyote depredation. The removal and proper disposal of dead poultry or livestock is highly recommended as a preventive measure. Carrion left in the open may attract coyotes and bring them into close and more frequent contact with live animals. Livestock owners may use trapping or shooting to remove coyotes that have attacked their animal stock.

Coyotes seen near homes or in residential areas rarely threaten human safety. Coyotes are abundant across North America, yet only a very small number of attacks on humans have ever been reported. Like many animals, coyotes can grow accustomed to buildings and human activity.

NEVER feed coyotes! DO NOT place food out for any mammals. Homeowners should eliminate any food sources that may be attractive to coyotes. Clean up bird seed below feeders, pet foods, and fallen fruit. Secure garbage and compost in animal-proof containers.

You can attempt to frighten away coyotes by making loud noises (shouting, air horn, or banging pots and pans) and acting aggressively (e.g., waving your arms, throwing sticks, spraying with a garden hose). Homeowners should realize that if they live near suitable habitat, fencing may be the only method to completely eliminate coyotes from travelling near homes. In rare cases, efforts to remove coyotes may be justified.