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Police Warn Rye Residents Of Coyotes

RYE, N.Y. (WCBS 880) – After two coyote attacks last summer, the town of Rye is not taking any chances.

Town officials are keeping their guards up and police commissioner William Connors wants residents to be aware.

"It's really just a public education message at this point. It's important to not show fear and try to instill a very healthy fear in the coyotes," Connors said. "If the animals are lingering in driveways, if they're lingering in front of people, that'll give us the information we need to take up some trapping."

LISTEN: WCBS 880's Sean Adams reports

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There have only been a few coyote sightings in Rye this year, but Connors said there are simple things that can help prevent attacks.

"If somebody runs into a coyote, they should act confident, make noise, rise up and make themselves look bigger and wave their arms, throw things," Connors said.

It will also help to eliminate attractions around your property, he said.

"It's important to secure garbage which is a primary food for them. Bird feeders not only provide a source of food, but they draw off the kind of animals, rodents, and birds and things like that, that the coyotes will feed on. And leaving pet food outdoors is also a bad thing," Connors said.

Police will use pepper pellet guns to scare off coyotes. If that doesn't work, Connors said they'll turn to traps.

 

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