One of the biggest nuisance animals in New York is the Eastern coyotes. While the animal is considered an important part of the New York ecosystem, they are still a threat to populated areas. Children and pets are most commonly at risk from these cats. Most of their diet consists of small animals, such as rabbits and rodents, but that also means that small dogs and cats are also targets.
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When an Eastern coyote moves into a suburban area, New York has guidelines concerning hunting in New York for protection from these animals. Here are five things to know about how to handle Eastern coyotes when they move into cities and suburbs.
1. Do Not Feed Them
One of the biggest problems when it comes to nuisance animals is when people feed them because then they continue to return, expecting to find more food. Feeding wild animals is also a way that people can disrupt the balance between animals and their habitats. When people feed a coyote, it can cause a threat to children and pets when the animal returns for more food. It also can cause coyotes to brazenly approach suburban areas, which can cause more dangerous situations.
2. Remove Unintentional Food Sources
Even if a person doesn't feed a coyote personally, leaving garbage cans and Dumpsters open with old food in them can give that animal more than enough to eat, and keep them coming back for more. The idea is to "coyote-proof" trash cans and Dumpsters with tight fitting lids and garbage bags with heavy-duty straps. On the same note, it is smart to feed pets inside homes so their food is not out for coyotes to smell as well.
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3. Fence in Yards
Tall fences can keep coyotes out of yards and protect children and pets. The ideal height is four feet tall, but since coyotes can dig, it is also smart to make them deep as well, preferably around six feet underground. It is also smart to keep brushes and bushes cleared to keep hiding places reduced.
4. DEC Permits
For hunting in New York, a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) permit is required to take a coyote if it is a simple nuisance. If the coyote is destroying property, a person can take it without a permit. However, if the coyote threatens public safety, the DEC will issue a permit for a landowner to take the coyote if proof of the threat to public safety is provided.
5. Preferred Killing Methods
The New York Wildlife Control Organization suggests that hunting in New York for coyotes be executed with a shotgun using BB-sized shot or larger, or with a .22 caliber rifle. Another method suggested is using a lethal injection of barbiturate.
This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.
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