Coyote sightings increase across Dobbs Ferry this year
Village Administrator Mike Neppl says Dobbs Ferry, Irvington and Hastings-on-Hudson are working together to track coyote activity.
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Officials in Dobbs Ferry are reporting an increase in coyote sightings, with photos and videos showing the animals roaming neighborhoods day and night, including near Dobbs Ferry High School.
Village Administrator Mike Neppl says Dobbs Ferry, Irvington and Hastings-on-Hudson are working together to track coyote activity.
Dobbs Ferry has also launched an online reporting form to map sightings, as well as the following, according to the village:
Reporting and tracking
Every report is logged and mapped. The Village Administrator and police chief review them weekly.
Police response
DFPD responds to the behaviors listed above, and officers are authorized to dispatch the animal. Patrols have been adjusted on school routes with recent sightings.
Removal
The Village holds a DEC permit and engages a licensed trapper when a specific animal threatens people or pets. Consistent with DEC policy, coyotes behaving normally are not removed.
Sanitation enforcement
The Village will enhance enforcement at residential and commercial properties, particularly large multifamily buildings.
Officials say that accessible food is the primary reason coyotes settle in developed areas. They are urging residents to keep garbage in lidded containers and put it out the morning of pickup.
"Keep compost closed and pet food indoors. Take down bird feeders or clear spilled seed, and pick up fallen fruit. Block access beneath decks and sheds. Never feed coyotes," officials stated.
The concern follows an incident in September when a woman was bitten by a coyote in Hastings-on-Hudson.
The DEC says there have been at least 24 cases in Westchester County this year.
Officials advise residents who encounter a coyote to stand tall, wave their arms and make noise to scare it away. Aggressive, bold or unusual behavior should be reported to police.
To report a coyote sighting in Dobbs Ferry, you can do so HERE.
