Coyotes are common throughout Bridgeport's parks and shoreline neighborhoods. Connecticut DEEP manages the species and prohibits relocation, while encouraging hazing and pet protection over removal except in human-safety emergencies.
Eastern coyotes are established statewide and Bridgeport sees sightings in Beardsley Park, Seaside Park, and along the Pequonnock River. Connecticut DEEP regulates coyotes under CGS Title 26 and discourages feeding or attracting wildlife. Residents are advised to haze coyotes by yelling, waving arms, and making noise so the animals retain fear of humans. Pets should be supervised, especially small dogs at dawn and dusk. DEEP issues nuisance permits only for coyotes showing aggression toward people. Bridgeport Animal Control responds to immediate human-safety emergencies; routine sightings go to DEEP.
Feeding wildlife, including unintentional feeding through unsecured trash, can bring Bridgeport nuisance fines. Killing or trapping a coyote outside legal hunting seasons violates CGS Title 26 and brings DEEP penalties.
Bridgeport, CT
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Bridgeport, CT
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See how Bridgeport's coyote management rules stack up against other locations.
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