Experts: Coyotes Here to Stay, 'Hazing' Them is Useful

Speaking at a talk about coyotes Wednesday night in Chappaqua, experts argued the animal will not be leaving, nor can trapping them eliminate the problem.

“Coyotes aren't going to go away,” said Kevin Clarke, a biologist with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) which deals with coyote matters.

Frank Vicenti, who is from an organization called Save Wild Dogs, said that coyotes are adaptable, which help them to counter trapping by humans.

“It's not going to resolve problematic behavior. They'll just adjust.”

However, Clarke and Vicenti stressed that having people act aggressively towards coyotes, an approach deemed “hazing,” can deter them. After taking questions from the audience, examples given include running after one, throwing a rock, a stick or using a garden hose for spraying.

“Do things to make this animal feel threatened, that 'I don't belong here, when I see a human it's something to be feared,'” Clarke said. He also noted that people should not tolerate a coyote's presence when it's around dogs or children.

The talk, held at the Community Center in downtown Chappaqua, was organized in reaction to concerns from people about the issue, New Castle Town Administrator Penny Paderewski said. Local concerns came as New Castle police dealt with two incidents earlier this month in Chappaqua: one in which a dog was attacked by a coyote and another where a dog went missing. The room for the gathering was packed, including people who lost dogs.

Vicenti noted that this time of year is an issue for coyotes, as they have young pups and may take issue with intruders believed to be in their territories, which can overlaps with people's properties. Dogs, which are distantly related to coyotes because they are both canids, can be seen as threats and dealt with in response.
“It's not abnormal,” he said about the relationship.

Small dogs are at greater risk for being attacked. Clarke said that it is usually dogs under 20 pounds who are vulnerable, with coyotes typically weighing close to 40 pounds.

Clarke emphasized that dogs need to be supervised by people, which can be a deterrent for coyotes. Leaving them unsupervised outside, such as with an invisible electric fence, is not good, he stressed.

Clarke also said that, according to DEC protocol, eliminating individual coyotes deemed to pose threats, such as killing pets, is allowed. As a result, people can get permits to kill, although Clarke cautioned that getting the individual coyote causing the problem can be difficult.

The experts also confirmed a suspicion that coyotes are more of an issue than in the past. Clarke noted that the changed has happened in the last three decades, with coyotes coming into this region from the north and west.
At times the mood at the talk became tense.

Michael Dresner, whose dog was the one that went missing earlier this month and mentioned in the police warning alert, was offended by the experts' initial dialogue, with included some light-hearted talk.

“I don't appreciate your sense of humor at all,” he said. Dresner then asked about whether or not there have been more incidents recently. Clarke replied that he wouldn't say it's increasing, but added that the reports the DEC has may not track well, noting that his agency did not talk with Dresner.

Paula Bernard, whose dog was killed by a coyote nearly two years ago, felt that the coyote population seems to have increased and was skeptical about the effectiveness of hazing.

Some residents criticized the response of the police department.

John Ferrara, who reported a coyote on Memorial Day, said that police “did virtually nothing” and simply gave him an animal wildlife control number. He also said that an officer he spoke with was not knowledgeable about the police department's Nixle alerts system, an online messaging platform that it uses to inform residents about things such as road closures and other emergencies.

New Castle Police Chief Charles Ferry came up to speak and said that they take the issue seriously. He replied that not every officer knows how to use Nixle. Ferry, in response to another person's concerns, said that if they feel like they're not being treated properly, then they should call him. He added that police have told people to scare away coyotes and have referred people to the DEC.

Rob Greenstein asked what is the most aggressive approach that can be taken, to which Clarke replied it is hazing.

Greenstein argued that people should not have to change the way that they have been living and compare dealing with coyotes to handling sharks, saying that “this is our 'Jaws.'”

Laura Safran, herself a dog owner, sympathized with people affected but but cautioned against allowing for panic and anger in response. She also argued that calling police over a coyote sighting is not effective because they can't respond to it.

The end of the meeting included questions and input on how to proceed next.

Dresner, who was present with his family, asked aabout what form of government can help, with Clarke noting that local government can. Clarke also noted that communication about coyotes is a good response.

One woman suggesting forming a task force to cover the issue, and brought up the question of what are the prevention strategies.

Asked by Patch about the town's next possible step, Paderewski said that she spoke with Ferry, and added that an online mapping software program from the town, which was rolled out in response to Hurricane Sandy for tracking road closures, could possibly be used for showing coyote sightings.

People can report aggressive coyote behavior to the DEC's Region 3 Wildlife Office, which can be reached at 845-256-3098. The DEC also suggests reporting that behavior to police.