Long Island's growing coyote population is managed by the New York State DEC; Nassau residents may not trap or kill coyotes outside hunting seasons, but hazing and removing food attractants is encouraged to prevent conflicts.
Coyotes are protected wildlife under New York Environmental Conservation Law and managed by NYSDEC Region 1. Nassau County has confirmed coyote presence in Muttontown, Old Westbury, and the Massapequa preserves since 2015. Residents must not feed, trap, or shoot coyotes outside the regulated hunting season, October through March, and firearm discharge is prohibited within most Nassau villages anyway. NCDOH advises securing trash, removing pet food, and using hazing techniques such as loud noises and bright lights. Aggressive coyotes that threaten people may be removed by licensed nuisance wildlife control operators with a DEC permit.
Illegal taking of wildlife is a misdemeanor under ECL section 71-0923 with fines up to two hundred fifty dollars and possible loss of hunting privileges.
Nassau County, NY
Nassau County Code 71 prohibits feeding of wildlife in county parks and preserves. NY ECL prohibits feeding deer and bear statewide. Feeding stray cats is ge...
Nassau County, NY
Possession or rehabilitation of injured wildlife in Nassau County requires a New York State wildlife rehabilitator license issued by NYSDEC; well-meaning res...
See how Nassau County's coyote management rules stack up against other locations.
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