Contact Dobbs, Hastings re coyote 'alert'
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Contact Dobbs, Hastings re coyote 'alert'

From: Animal Defenders of Westchester (ADOW)
October 29, 2019

This 'omg we've seen coyotes' notice (below) originated from Hastings - Dobbs joined in without cause, citing DEC 'educational' material. Our wildlife should be treated humanely with respect; they have a right to exist.

Please politely contact both mayors re the DEC which as always recommends hunting...and the ominous 'Tell your neighbors' addendum - they wouldn't give this pitiful directive about any group of people...the coys didn't just escape from the Big House and such fear-mongering can cause undue hyper-vigilance. You are more likely to be killed by a golf ball than bitten by a coyote.

Read Coyote sightings surge, but wildlife expert says there's room for all

You needn't be a resident to contact them; all can be cc'd.  

Sample letter:

Dear Mayor McLoughlin,  Just seeing wildlife isn't cause for alerts. The message you sent to residents re coyotes may cause undue fear of wildlife. Please use your position as mayor to promote compassionate, non-lethal efforts to live humanely with wildlife.

Thank you, ___________
 
Contact:

BOB MCLOUGHLIN, Mayor, Dobbs Ferry
[email protected]
 
ELIZABETH DREAPER, Dobbs Village Clerk 
[email protected]
 
NICOLA ARMACOST, Mayor, Hastings on Hudson:
[email protected]
 
---------- Forwarded message ---------

From: Village of Dobbs Ferry <[email protected]>
Date: Tue, Oct 22, 2019 at 1:28 PM
Subject: Hastings Coyote Sighting
 
Office of the Village Clerk
Elizabeth Dreaper
112 Main Street
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
914-231-8504
[email protected]
 
Coyote Tips

There has been an increase in coyote sightings in the Village of Hastings. The following recommendations being offered were obtained from the Department of Environmental Conservation.

There has been an increase in coyote sightings throughout the Village of Hastings. Although there are not any known issues with these animals, the following recommendations being offered were obtained from the Department of Environmental Conservation website. Please click on this link to obtain further information regarding coyotes.  https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6971.html 
 
Coyote Recommendations

Below are steps you should take to reduce and prevent coyote problems from occurring. For additional information see our wildlife damage control page.

Do not feed coyotes and discourage others from doing so (also see "Feeding Wildlife: a wrong choice").
Unintentional food sources attract coyotes and other wildlife and increase risks to people and pets. To reduce risks: 

  • Do not feed pets outside.
  • Make any garbage inaccessible to coyotes and other animals.
  • Eliminate availability of bird seed. Concentrations of birds and rodents that come to feeders can attract coyotes. If you see a coyote near your birdfeeder, clean up waste seed and spillage to remove the attractant. 
  • Do not allow 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, or throw sticks and stones.
  • Do not allow pets to run free. Supervise all outdoor pets to keep them safe from coyotes and other wildlife, especially at sunset and at night.
  • Regulated hunting and trapping increases the "fear" coyotes have towards people.
  • Fencing your yard may deter coyotes. The fence should be tight to the ground, preferably extending six inches below ground level, and taller than 4 feet.
  • Remove brush and tall grass from around your property to reduce protective cover for coyotes.
  • Coyotes are typically secretive and like areas where they can hide. See "Tips to Eliminate Wildlife Conflicts" for more information.
  • Contact your local police department and NYSDEC regional office for assistance if you notice that coyotes are exhibiting "bold" behaviors and have little or no fear of people.
  • Ask your neighbors to follow these same steps.

Thank you for your cooperation
 
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Village of Dobbs Ferry
112 Main St.
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

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