Coyote Management: New York vs Philadelphia
How do coyote management rules compare between New York, NY and Philadelphia, PA?
New York and Philadelphia have similar restriction levels.
New York, NY
New York County
New York City Parks and DOHMH manage a small but growing coyote population through coexistence rather than removal. Residents are told to haze, secure trash, and never feed wildlife. NYS DEC bars relocation of healthy coyotes under Environmental Conservation Law and 6 NYCRR Part 180.
View full New York rules →Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia County
Coyotes are classified as furbearers under the Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code. The PA Game Commission, not Philadelphia, regulates take. City rules ban firearm discharge, so residents rely on hazing, secure trash, and licensed nuisance trappers. Feeding wildlife is prohibited.
View full Philadelphia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | New York | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Lead agency | NYC Parks Wildlife Unit | - |
| State authority | NYS DEC | PA Game Commission |
| Feeding ban | Health Code §161 | - |
| Relocation rule | Prohibited for healthy coyotes | - |
| Permit pathway | DEC nuisance wildlife operator | - |
| Statute | - | 34 Pa.C.S. §2102 |
| City firearm ban | - | Phila. Code §10-825 |
| Feeding rule | - | Phila. Code §10-104 nuisance |
| Recommended response | - | Hazing and exclusion |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
New York FAQ
I saw a coyote in my neighborhood — should I call 911?
Only if it is acting aggressively or injured. Otherwise call 311 to log a sighting. NYC Parks tracks reports and provides hazing guidance; healthy coyotes are not relocated under DEC policy.
Can a private trapper remove a coyote from my yard?
Only a licensed nuisance wildlife control operator with a DEC permit may handle coyotes, and only when the specific animal is documented as aggressive. Routine removal of healthy coyotes is prohibited statewide.
Philadelphia FAQ
Can I shoot a coyote in my backyard in Philadelphia?
No. Discharging a firearm inside city limits violates Phila. Code §10-825. Contact the PA Game Commission Southeast Region office or hire a licensed nuisance wildlife operator for live-trap removal on private property.
What attracts coyotes to my neighborhood?
Open trash, pet food left outdoors, fallen fruit, bird-feeder spillage that brings rats, and small pets unsupervised at dawn or dusk. Removing food sources and hazing on sight discourages habituation faster than removal alone.
Compare other topics
See how New York and Philadelphia compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool