Coyotes

A coyote photographed within the boundaries of Fire Island National Seashore in February of 2021.

NPS Photo

In what is a first for Park Biologists at Fire Island National Seashore, a coyote was recently captured on a trail camera within park boundaries. Sporadic reports of eastern coyote activity have suggested that the species has been expanding their range to include Long Island for some time, the first known full-time resident having been sighted in Queens as early as 2009.

Coyotes are able to adapt to a wide range of habitats and have been known to thrive within both suburban and urban locations. They typically rely on mice, voles, and other small mammals as their primary food source. They are known to be timid, especially around humans.

This recent sighting marks the first confirmed report of a coyote within the boundaries of Fire Island National Seashore and follows earlier sightings within Robert Moses State Park on the west end of Fire Island. Some evidence of coyote activity had been documented previously, but could not be confirmed until now.

While some folks might be alarmed to hear that coyotes have been spotted on Fire Island, visitors and residents are reminded that in most cases coyotes are known to be harmless and that taking a few simple precautions will help to limit interaction and conflict.

 

Duration:

26 minutes, 5 seconds

In June, 2021, Fire Island National Seashore welcomed zoologist Roland Kays, Ph.D. from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and North Carolina State University. The Eastern coyote is a large coyote-wolf mix that has expanded its range in eastern North America over the last few decades. Having taken over the wildlands, this big predator is increasingly observed in urban areas—including New York City.

 

Always remember:

• Never feed wild animals. Most incidents between humans and coyotes occur as a direct result illegal feeding. 
• Remember to keep wildlife wild, and remain distant from coyotes whenever they are spotted. If you encounter a coyote it is best to back away slowly without turning your back. Typically shouting at a coyote will scare them away. 
• Coyotes are wild animals and have been known to pose a risk to both humans and pets.  
• Visitors and residents are encouraged to always supervise pets when they are outdoors, especially at dusk or dawn, bringing cats and dogs indoors whenever possible.  
• Take care to secure any food sources which might attract coyotes including pet food, seed which can attract rodents, and trash.  

 

For more information:

Coyotes have long been a fixture within many National Parks, coexisting peacefully with rangers, residents and visitors. To learn more about coyotes within National Parks visit:

Take Action to Support Coyotes - Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Coyotes - Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Coyote - Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

To learn more about coyotes in New York State visit:

Eastern Coyote - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation