Police issue alert over coyote activity during purchase

HARRISON, NY – Coyotes are mostly good neighbors, but public safety officials remind us that we must also do our part.

The Harrison Police Department issued an alert early Saturday afternoon to alert residents to coyote activity, particularly in the shopping area. They also advised residents not to leave small pets outside unattended and to consult the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) website’s best practices for avoiding conflicts with pets. coyotes.

While coyote attacks are rare in Westchester County, a coyote that later tested positive for rabies attacked several people in Hastings and Yonkers in 2018.

Last May, the Pelham Manor Police Department issued a coyote advisory regarding sightings of coyotes at the north and south ends of the village. The next day, Mount Vernon police warned residents that a small dog had been attacked by what was believed to be a coyote. Later that month there were several sightings of coyotes in and around Mamaroneck. A coyote was even spotted riding the Mario Cuomo Bridge bike path.

There are a few common sense precautions suggested by the DEC to ensure that man and beast can co-exist peacefully.

Owners are warned not to approach wildlife in any situation and never to feed a coyote. Potential food sources, such as bird feeders, pet food stored outdoors, and garbage cans, should be secured so as not to attract unwanted visitors.

Pet owners should not let their furry friends run free and parents are asked to closely supervise children outside.

In the unlikely event that someone is approached by a coyote, they should not run away. Instead, it is recommended to be aggressive – this includes making loud noises, waving your arms, and throwing sticks and stones. Officials say these behaviors will almost always startle the animals.