Wildlife experts urge residents to use caution after several coyote sightings
Experts say people are seeing more coyotes because now through March is coyote mating season.
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Nearly two weeks ago Ridgefield police say an aggressive coyote bit a resident.
In October police say a coyote chased some people near West Haven High School.
However, experts say these cases are rare.
"If you see something aggressive or something lurking regularly out in the open, like a coyote, that's where you want to be a little concerned," Mark Fowler with the Equitable Earth Charitable Foundation said.
People say they are seeing more coyotes in their neighborhoods.
Experts say it's because now through March is coyote mating season.
Coyotes are more territorial, potentially making them more aggressive, especially around their dens once pups are born in April.
Experts say it's a good idea to make sure pets aren't outside too long without supervision.
"Dawn and dusk keep your animals in. If you're walking your dog and something like a coyote comes out and is aggressive to you don't run. You know stand your ground. Waive your arms. Look big. Yell at it," Fowler said.
"You can take measures to discourage them from denning. You can use strongly scented things like dryer sheets or shavings from a highly fragrant soap like Irish Spring you can throw it down in the den hole. Sometimes that's enough to drive them away," said Geoff Krukar, a Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection wildlife biologist.
DEEP says taking down your bird feeders helps because the spilled bird seed attracts small rodents, which are a primary food source of coyotes.
"The truth is cars, domestic dogs are much more dangerous, and we run into them all the time," Fowler said.
Experts say it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, make sure your trash cans are closed and covered and never feed them.
It is illegal to feed wild animals in Connecticut that are potentially dangerous.
Call police if you see coyotes becoming aggressive and they try to attack you or your pets.
