The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently announced guidelines to help prevent conflicts between people and coyotes to protect the public and their pets.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “This is the time of year when New York’s resident coyotes breed and set up dens for pups that will arrive this spring. While conflicts with people and pets are rare, New Yorkers should remain alert and follow DEC’s common sense guidelines to minimize the risk for potential conflicts with coyotes.”

Coyotes can be found in habitats throughout New York State, from rural farmland and forest to green spaces in suburban and urban areas. For the most part coyotes avoid contact with people. However, conflicts with people and pets may occur as coyotes tend to be more territorial during breeding and rearing seasons in the spring and summer. If coyotes learn to associate food sources such as garbage or pet food with people, these animals may lose their natural fear of humans, increasing the potential for close encounters or conflicts.

DEC estimates about 30,000 New York hunters pursue coyotes along with approximately 3,000 trappers. When in season, all of upstate New York is open for coyote hunting and trapping.

To reduce the likelihood of conflicts with coyotes, New Yorkers are encouraged to take the steps not to feed coyotes by leaving pet food or garbage outside. Bird feeders too can attract coyotes as a concentration of birds and rodents that come to feeders can attract coyotes.

If coyotes exhibit bold behaviors and fail to exhibit fear of people, or if seen repeatedly during the day near residences, the public is advised to contact the Regional DEC Wildlife Office for assistance.

Companies Donate Ammo to Ukraine!

Remington, CCI, Speer and Federal Ammunition are donating 1 million rounds of total ammunition to the Ukraine Armed Forces. Also, profits from special edition T-shirts will benefit refugees in the war-torn country.

Jason Vanderbrink, President of Remington, CCI, Speer and Federal Ammunition said, “Supporting the relief effort is a crucial element of the global response and we are proud to do our part. We have long supported Ukrainian armed forces and will continue to do so in this global cause to unite for democracy.”