Aggressive Coyotes in Poughkeepsie & Hyde Park

Residents have been advised to take precautions.

According to the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health, there continue to be reports of coyotes in the Poughkeepsie and Hyde Park regions exhibiting bold/aggressive behavior.

One of the coyote’s was reported to have bitten a Marist student.

Locations affected include areas just north of the Mid-Hudson Bridge to the Hyde Park Drive-In Theater, and the city of Poughkeepsie.

The NYS DEC recommends the following precautions:

• DO NOT approach or have contact with wild animals, as they may be rabid.

• Do not feed coyotes.

• Make garbage inaccessible.

• Remove outside food sources including pet food and bird seed. Pet food and garbage attract coyotes and other wildlife, including rodents, and increase risks to people and pets.

• Be alert of your surroundings and take precautions such as carrying a flashlight or a walking stick to deter coyotes.

• Be mindful of children and pets while outdoors. Do not let pets run free.

• Do not allow coyotes to approach people or pets. If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior: stand tall and hold your arms up or out to look as large as possible. If a coyote lingers for too long, make loud noises, wave your arms and throw sticks and stones.

Report coyotes exhibiting bold behaviors (approaching people for food, attacking leashed pets with owners, chasing joggers or bikers, etc.) or repeatedly seen during the daytime in a human-populated area or near residences to the NYS DEC Bureau of Wildlife at 845-256-3098. Please note that seeing a coyote occasionally is not evidence of bold behavior.

Residents should contact their local police department in the case of an emergency.

If there is any physical contact between a coyote and a person or pet, report the incident to DBCH as soon as possible at:

• (845) 486-3404 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• (845) 431-6465 on nights/weekends/holidays