Police issue warning after coyote sightings in Colchester – NBC Connecticut

Police in Colchester issue a warning after many residents in the city have spotted coyotes.

At Cato Corner Farm in Colchester, part of the game is finding your way around wild animals of all shapes and sizes.

“We’ve had a lot of contact with coyotes this year,” said owner Elizabeth MacAlister. “We have to coexist,” she said.

She and farm manager David Hebner say they have seen coyotes in the pastures near their cows and expressed concern that disease could spread.

“We have always dealt with them. We have never had to do anything radical, but we have to be aware of it,” MacAlister said.

The duo says they feel like coyotes are getting closer to civilization. Hebner says he knows healthy coyotes aren’t a threat to humans – but he’s worried about his furry friends.

“Many pets have disappeared. And the first thing most people think about is not whether they’ll get hit by a car anymore, but whether or not they’ll get hit by a coyote,” Hebner said.

“Normally, people are very concerned when they see coyotes during the day, but this time of year, when they are having their young, it is normal,” said Geoff Krukar, a wildlife biologist with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Kukar says it’s important to notify the state when coyotes become bolder or attack leashed pets.

“The number of animals sighted in each city is influenced by external factors and not necessarily by the fact that the coyote population is booming in an area,” Krukar said.

He says this year there have been similar reports of coyote conflicts as in previous years – that is, between a coyote and a pet or a human. However, he says this year one person was attacked by a coyote that was likely very sick.

He says there are a few things you can do to prevent contact with coyotes, including keeping your dog on a leash, keeping pets indoors at night and storing your trash safely.

“Remove these food sources and keep your pets under control. Also be aware that there may be coyotes in your yard,” Kukar said.