MAY 18, 2015 LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, MAY 18, 2015, 1:21 AM
THE RECORD
Why we have more coyotes, and how we can coexist
The past eight years have seen an increase in the number of coyotes in the metropolitan area, so he’s made an effort to inform residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut about what to expect when they live near coyotes.
He will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Closter Public Library about the history, biology and behavior of coyotes.
Q. Why are we seeing an increase in the number of coyotes and other wildlife in our neighborhoods and parking lots?
Some of it is overdevelopment. A lot of it is that these surviving generations of turkeys, coyotes and bears are adapting to these urban areas. So now we have to adapt to them. We also have to see if people are perpetuating it through feeding them, which is something that needs to be discouraged. I’m not supportive of bird feeders, because it’s getting animals conditioned to people in an unnatural way. Animals are very efficient and can get food on their own.
Q. How can we better respect the wildlife in our midst?
Definitely give the wildlife respect and as wide a berth as possible. In regards to coyotes and even bobcats, people have to be less complacent about their pets. You shouldn’t leave your pets out in your yards. It also means driving a little more slowly on the Palisades Interstate Parkway to make sure you don’t hit anything. You need to take precautions, like not leaving garbage out for raccoons and bears. You should plant things in your back yard that are aesthetic but are not palatable for deer, rabbits and other wildlife.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/environment/coexisting-with-coyotes-in-north-jersey-1.1336862
How about a coyote hunt?
Coyote sighting at Hawes today during school hours…..