Coyotes have been spotted in neighborhoods in the villages of East Hills and North Hills in recent weeks.
East Hills Mayor Michael Koblenz wrote in an email sent to residents that coyotes had been spotted on Teakwood Lane in the village’s Country Estates neighborhood.
“As you may be aware, coyotes have been spotted on Long Island for approximately seven years, most recently there have multiple sightings in the Searingtown area,” Koblenz wrote. “There have been no problems of any kind reported from coyotes on Long Island, and they are quite frequently migrant, as they are likely heading out east.”
Koblenz reiterated a list of recommendations from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation that encouraging residents not to put up bird feeders so coyotes would be less likely to attack birds in their yards, to enclose compost piles and garbage, remove brush and tall grass from yards to reduce cover areas, and put tight fences around properties, among other things.
The mayor also wrote that household pets were in particular danger.
“Cats allowed to roam free are at risk,” Koblenz wrote. “To protect cats from coyotes, other wildlife, and hazards like automobiles, keep cats indoors. Owners of small dogs also have cause for concern. Small dogs are at the greatest risk of being harmed or killed when coyotes are being territorial during denning and pup-rearing. Small dogs should not be left unattended in backyards at night and should remain supervised. Owners of large- and medium-sized dogs have less to worry about but should still take precautions.”
Efforts to reach the Village of North Hills and the administration at the Acorn Ponds community were unavailing.
