The city of Mount Vernon is sharing safety advice from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation after reports of local coyote sightings and attacks. 

Coyotes, and any other wild animals, are commonly seen in suburban environments.

Do not feed the animals. Discourage others from feeding the animals. Unintentional food sources attract coyotes and other wildlife and increase risks to people and pets. Do not feed your pet outside. Make any garbage inaccessible to coyotes and other animals.

Eliminate the availability of birdseed. A concentration of birds and rodents that come to feeders can attract coyotes. If you see a coyote near your bird feeder, clean up waste seed and spillage to remove the attractant.

Don’t allo coyotes to approach people or pets.  Teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance.

If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior. Stand tall and hold arms out to look large. If a coyote lingers for too long, then make loud noises. Wave your arms and throw sticks and stones.

Don’t allow pets to run free. Supervise all outdoor pets to keep them safe from coyotes and other wildlife, especially at sunset and at night. Small dogs and cats are especially vulnerable to coyotes.

Fenced yards may deter coyotes. The fence should be tight to the ground, preferably extending 6 inches below the ground level and taller than 4 feet.

Remove brush and tall grass from around your home to reduce protective cover for coyotes. Coyotes are typically secretive and like areas where they can hide.

Call 914-665-2500 or the DEC regional office at 845-256-3098 for assistance if your notice that coyotes are exhibiting "bold" behaviors and have little or no fear of people. Seeing a coyote occasionally during the year is not evidence of bad behavior.