It appears that there are a few coyotes living in close proximity to Marina Park, Harbour Pointe, and Rivermist in Buffalo. A BRO reader passed along some informative reading material that helps us to understand the coexisting relationship that we can have with these wild animals, as long as we don’t let our fearful imaginations (hysteria) get the best of us.
According to the article, titled Understanding Coyote Behavior, coyotes spend much of their time keeping to themselves “sleeping, waking, finding food (hopefully), playing, raising their young, avoiding dangers, healing from hurts, finding a mate, finding shelter, retaining their special status among others, and so on.”*
The article goes on to describe the coyotes as mostly keeping to themselves (inherently fearful of humans), although occasionally one or two will let their curiosity get the better of them. In those cases, coyotes have actually been witnessed interacting with domesticated dogs, even though it is noted that this is not a good idea to go out of your way to encourage this type of activity (and please don’t feed them). It’s best to be aware of the proximity of the coyote sightings and to not intentionally attempt to interact with the animals.
It is said that the coyotes take especial interest in dogs, as they appear to be of the same ilk. Typically the coyote will observe the dog from a distance, and is merely curious about the foreign yet familiar creature. The coyote is know for perching, observing and even following, as that is the animal’s instinctive nature. If chased, the coyote will typically attempt to skirt the situation, but may stand its ground if it feels threatened (distressed barking session).
It’s important to observe leash laws, especially where coyote sightings have been documented. Many dogs will inherently chase a coyote thinking that it is another dog. Once again, it is not in the coyote’s nature to attack, and dogs and coyotes have even been known to engage in play. But that does not mean that this is a good idea. Nor should we all get overly nervous about the appearance of coyotes – they have the right to exist peacefully among us.
Coyotes are very smart, and will do whatever it takes to not engage in unwanted encounters. If a dog does chase a coyote, chances are that the coyote will stand its ground, bark, work with other coyotes to alleviate a situation, and possibly even nip a dog’s haunches to protect themselves and their pups. As with any wild animal (skunks, etc.), it’s best to keep a level head and avoid the interaction from the get-go. If a coyote appears to be interested in you and your dog, “make yourself look “big” with arm-flailing, never turn your back, make loud noises, such as sharp slapping sounds with your hands, get your dog and leave.”*
Coyotes have a right to be here as much as a rabbit or a squirrel. It might seem strange to be aware that they are in our midst, but once the coyote is understood, it really shouldn’t be that much of a big deal. If your dog does attack a coyote (it’s happened before in other cities), then it’s the coyote that will be put down, even if the animal was only trying to defend itself. The coyotes are mainly attempting to source food and water, while protecting their pups. They should not be fed or followed. They are simply trying to live their lives in a place that must surely appear to be strange, confusing and unsettling at times. It’s doing its best to coexist with is, so we should do the same.
If you are wondering what you can do to avoid any contact with the coyote, know that they are mostly active during the twilight hours. Avoid walking your dog at those hours where the coyotes have been sighted (if you want to be proactive), and please keep your dogs on a leash, especially in areas that are know to be frequented by coyotes. A number of cities that have seen the return of coyotes are looking at the appearance as a sign that nature and man can coexist in peace. If we all respect each other, there should be no reason to do anything more than appreciate and respect the nature of the relationship.
I would think that The City would be proactive here and stick some signs in the ground to provide information for people walking the paths near the sightings. That would go a long way towards alleviating fears, as well as helping to avoid unwanted interactions.
Now that Buffalo’s waters are cleaner and the lands less polluted, we are seeing a number of different species returning, after being driven from the area (think snow owl). We should be happy that we have come so far in this regard, and nature is doing her thing as we are doing ours. The more we are informed about our roles and our responsibilities when it comes to adapting to these positive changes, the better.
*Understanding Coyote Behavior – Photo: Stock image