Does Suffolk County, NY have its own coyote management ordinance?

No. Suffolk County, NY does not appear to have a local coyote management ordinance, New York state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from NY Environmental Conservation Law.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Suffolk County

Suffolk County, NY Animal Ordinances: Coyote Management (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing law: Suffolk County Code Ch. 299, Art. X
Enforced by: Dept. of Health Services, complaint-based
Fine range: $50–$500 per offense
Coyotes named: Explicitly listed as "wild animal"
No county culls: County runs no coyote cull program

Summary

Suffolk County outlaws purposely feeding or baiting coyotes and other wild animals anywhere in the county, targeting the human-food dependency the Legislature says drives aggressive, nuisance coyote behavior near residents.

City-specific rules exist: Huntington has its own coyote management rules that differ from Suffolk County's county-level regulations. If you live in Huntington, check the city-specific page instead.

WILD ANIMAL: Any animal which is not normally domesticated in New York State, including but not limited to coyotes, deer, foxes, groundhogs, opossums, raccoons, skunks, and nuisance birds other than songbirds or hummingbirds... No person shall purposely or knowingly feed, bait, or in any manner provide access to food to any wild animal in Suffolk County, except as provided for in § 299-80 of this article.

Source: NY Environmental Conservation LawView official code

Full Breakdown

Under County Code Article X, no one may purposely or knowingly feed, bait, or leave out food that attracts a "wild animal": a term the code defines to expressly include coyotes, deer, foxes, groundhogs, opossums, raccoons, and skunks. After any contact or conflict with a wild animal, residents must also secure or remove food sources that drew it in. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services enforces the ban on a complaint basis; there is no county coyote cull or trapping program.

Violations & Fines

Civil fine of $50 to $500 per offense, plus prosecution costs. Each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense. Health Services must give notice and a hearing before any fine is imposed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be fined for leaving pet food out that draws coyotes?

Yes. Leaving refuse, pet food, or other attractants in a manner that draws wild animals like coyotes is itself a violation, separate from directly feeding them.

Does Suffolk County trap or cull coyotes?

No. The county's only coyote-specific rule is the feeding ban; it runs no cull, trapping, or hazing program of its own.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Suffolk County

Dog Leash LawsSome Restrictions BeekeepingSome Restrictions Bird ProtectionSignificant Restrictions Cat RulesSome Restrictions Pet Groomer RulesSignificant Restrictions Pet Store RulesSome Restrictions Wildlife FeedingSignificant Restrictions Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome Restrictions Exotic PetsHeavy Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSome Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesFew Restrictions Single-Use Items: Plastic CupsSignificant Restrictions Public Health Rules: Calorie LabelingSome Restrictions

All Suffolk County rules

New York rules heatmap·Compare Suffolk County to another location·View the New York animal ordinances overview

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Coyote Management in Cities Across Suffolk County

Babylon, NY Huntington, NY Islip, NY