Coyote – Canis latrans (Photo by VJAnderson)
We have received concern regarding aggressive coyotes in the City, specifically near the golf course. Below is a summary of the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection web page on living with Coyotes.
Appearance:
- A typical coyote resembles a small, lanky German shepherd
- Coyotes tend to be more slender and have wide, pointed ears; a long, tapered muzzle; yellow eyes; slender legs; small feet; and a straight, bushy tail which is carried low to the ground.
- Most adults are about 48-60 inches long from nose to tail and weigh between 30 to 50 pounds
Diet:
- Coyotes are opportunistic and use a variety of habitats
- A coyote’s diet consists predominantly of mice, woodchucks, squirrels, rabbits, deer, some fruits, carrion, and when available, garbage.
- Some coyotes will also prey on small livestock, poultry, and small pets.
- In Connecticut, unsupervised pets, particularly outdoor cats and small dogs (less than 25 pounds) are vulnerable to coyote attacks.
Living with Coyotes:
- The risk of a coyote attacking a person is extremely low.
- Coyotes will attack and kill pets, especially cats and small dogs.
- The best way to protect pets is to not allow them to run free.
- Cats should be kept indoors, particularly at night, and small dogs should be on a leash and under close supervision at all times.
- Homeowners should eliminate other sources of attraction to coyotes including pet food left outdoors, table scraps on compost piles, decaying fruit below fruit trees and bird seed below feeders.
- You can attempt to frighten away coyotes by making loud noises (shouting, air horn, or banging pots and pans) and acting aggressively (e.g., waving your arms, throwing sticks, spraying with a garden hose).
- Coyotes are most active at night.
Helpful Links:
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Coyote Information
How to Avoid Conflict with Coyotes
Distinguishing between Coyotes, Wolves and Dogs
