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Conflicts with coyotes can be prevented across Western New York

Eastern coyotes are common in New York State, and most of the time, they go about their business unseen.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Ever wonder how you would react if you spotted a coyote around Western New York?

Well, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation offered tips to residents about how to prevent conflicts with them.

"Coyotes will naturally avoid interacting with people if their fear of people is maintained," DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a statement.

"But if coyotes learn to associate people with food, conflicts can occur. New Yorkers are encouraged to follow DEC's guidance to prevent coyote problems from occurring."

Among the tips the Department of Environmental Conservation recommends to prevent crossing coyotes:

  • Don't feed coyotes, and don't feed your pets outside.
  • Make any garbage inaccessible to coyotes and other animals.
  • Eliminate bird seed, which can attract a variety of birds and rodents that draw coyotes.
  • Remove brush and tall grass from around your home. Coyotes typically like areas where they can hide.

Eastern coyotes are common in New York State, and most of the time, they go about their business unseen. They are typically found in rural farmland and forests, but they have well to adapted to suburban environments. Sometimes they've even been spotted in cities.

Coyotes are not native to New York. They moved here from other parts of North America during the 1930s.

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