Untitled
Coyote Concerns
By WBNG News
Story Created: Jun 29, 2010 at 5:09 PM EDT
Cortland, NY (WBNG Binghamton) Coyotes have been moving a little bit closer to home for some people in our area. Some of you have noticed coyotes out at odd times of the day, and not very wary of people.
Their packs are on the prowl...
"People might be seeing more coyotes this time of year because the young are just starting to get to their dens and they go along with the adults on hunting trips," said Lance Clark, a wildlife biologist with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
They're coming out in many places around here. Many times, it's along woodland edges of shrubby fields, places where they hunt for small animals.
"Along the back roads of the mountainsides here we're inundated by them," said Gordon Kniffen, (R) Kirkwood Town Supervisor.
"A lot of the ones that do come in are the younger ones -- they're usually more curious," said Tom Tasber, a naturalist with Broome County Parks at the Finch Hollow Nature Center in the Town of Maine.
And curiosity has put these animals close to some homes. Sometimes it's like an invitation when food is left out. The DEC says coyotes could become to comfortable around humans, and there could be consequences.
"They get more used to people being around, they'll start attacking dogs on a leash when people are walking them and the ultimate progression of that unfortunately is small kids might become a target for coyotes," Clark said.
"They are more active -- even during the day," Tasber said.
That doesn't always mean they're on the attack or they're sick. If they stagger or act too hostlie or too friendly, call the DEC. Otherwise,
"Like any wild animal, you should keep your distance -- you just have to keep your eyes open," Tasber said.
Until then, get used to the sound of howling during the summer.
"The volunteer fire department has to test their sirens and they go off at 6:00 at night, you hear the coyotes answer back," Kniffen said.
A six year-old girl in Westchester County was attacked by two coyotes just this past weekend. The DEC says that the law does permit anyone to kill a coyote if it threatens humans or livestock if they are threatening.
