A string of unnerving coyote run-ins in Eastchester's California Ridge neighborhood has police warning residents to keep a tight grip on leashes and an even tighter eye on their yards. Multiple callers have reported coyotes acting aggressively, including animals approaching or attacking dogs both in fenced yards and out on the street.
Officers say the animals may have a den in or near Twin Lakes County Park and are working with state wildlife officials to keep tabs on the situation. Residents in California Ridge and neighboring Bronxville Manor are being urged to supervise pets, keep children close, and cut off any easy food sources that might lure coyotes in closer.
The Eastchester Police Department put out a public safety notification after what they describe as numerous calls about sightings and aggressive behavior, according to Daily Voice. That report notes several incidents involved coyotes coming up to or attacking dogs, and says police are telling residents to call 911 in any emergency.
What wildlife officials say
State wildlife guidance says coyotes that refuse to flee from people or that walk up on pets should be treated as potentially dangerous, with hazing and removing food sources as the first steps, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The DEC's coyote procedures spell out hazing techniques - standing tall, waving your arms, making loud noises, and using noisemakers or water - and recommend contacting DEC or local law enforcement if encounters escalate.
The agency also lays out how to classify escalating coyote behavior and notes that in some situations, when hazing and removing attractants do not work, it supports targeted removal of specific problem animals.
Where the animals may be denning
Police have told residents the coyotes may be denning on private property as well as inside Twin Lakes County Park, which straddles the Eastchester and Bronxville line. The Westchester County Parks site describes Twin Lakes as wooded parkland with trails and equestrian facilities near California Road, putting it within walking distance of the California Ridge neighborhood.
Park users are being urged to stay especially alert at dawn and dusk and to keep pets leashed and under close supervision.
How to stay safe
Police have advised residents not to leave pets outside unattended and warned that young children should not be outdoors without adult supervision. Non-aggressive coyote sightings do not need to be reported, but aggressive encounters or attacks should be called in immediately, as reported by Daily Voice. In emergencies, residents are instructed to call 911.
Wildlife officials recommend cutting off attractants - securing trash, bringing pet food indoors, and even taking down bird feeders if necessary - and closely supervising pets, particularly around dusk or at night. If a coyote attacks a person or pet, the DEC advises documenting what happened, contacting local law enforcement and the county health department about possible rabies exposure, and following their direction on next steps, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
