What To Do If You See A Coyote In Newport: Animal Control

NEWPORT, RI — Coyotes are found in every Rhode Island community, except Block Island, so sightings are inevitable in Newport.

But what should residents do if they have seen a coyote? In some cases, not a lot — but it does depend on the situation, according to Newport Animal Control.

Listed below are several types of interactions someone may have with a coyote and the best ways to report them, according to animal control officials.

Sighting Only

A coyote is seen by a member of the public and exhibits normal behavior. Normal behavior is when the coyote is fearful of human interaction and leaves the area on its own or continues on its way without any interference from humans. Online reporting is appropriate for this type of behavior.

Bold Behavior With Humans

A coyote is reported to be behaving in a bold, brazen way that exhibits no fear of human interaction. Attempts by a human to haze and scare the coyote fail. The coyote may stalk or follow a person. Online reporting is appropriate when there is a delay in the reporting. A delay is greater than 15 minutes from observation to the time of reporting. If the report can be made immediately, call the police department at 401-847-1306, and request the animal control officer to respond

Active aggressive coyote behavior

A coyote is reported to be actively chasing, attacking or menacing a human or domestic animal. This includes an injured/sick coyote that is unable to leave the area under its own power. Call Newport police to make a report with the animal control officer or police officer for this type of behavior.

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