Coyotes are common in Westchester County, and NY Department of Environmental Conservation manages them. Residents must avoid feeding wildlife and may haze coyotes; relocation and trapping are restricted.
The NY Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulates coyotes under 6 NYCRR Part 1. Westchester villages such as Scarsdale, Bronxville, and Rye have issued coyote-awareness advisories. Hazing techniques like loud noise, water hoses, and waving objects are encouraged to maintain coyote wariness. Feeding wildlife is prohibited under Westchester County Chapter 41 and many municipal codes. Trapping requires a DEC permit, and relocation is generally prohibited due to disease and territorial concerns. Aggressive or rabid coyotes should be reported to local police and DEC immediately.
Feeding coyotes or wildlife may result in fines up to 250 dollars per offense. Illegal trapping or shooting of coyotes can carry DEC penalties up to 1,000 dollars and criminal charges.
See how Mount Vernon's coyote management rules stack up against other locations.
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