New Coyote Warning Issued For One Rhode Island Community

Residents of Rhode Island are being warned by local police and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) officials about coyote pups wandering neighborhood streets during daylight hours.

A pair of young coyote pups were spotted several times in the Oaklawn Beach section of Warwick, leading police to issues warnings to the entire town.

Seems these young coyotes look incredibly close to certain breeds of large dog and are potentially being fed by residents, who probably think they are helping strays.

Unfortunately they are not strays and police say feeding them can be incredibly dangerous.

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife reports that "the eastern coyote resembles a medium-sized dog in body size and shape but has longer, denser fur and pointed erect ears. The tail is long, black-tipped, and bushy."

Two such black Eastern coyote juveniles have been making their way around Warwick looking for food as they learn to hunt. Police are urging the public to simply avoid these animals if they see them, providing these three keys tips.

1) Stay at least 150 feet (45 meters) or more from the animal.

2) Supervise Pets. Walk dogs on a leash and keep cats inside for safety.

3) DO NOT FEED.

Young coyotes will return to a food source again and again, according to the RIDEM, and if that food source is humans, the coyotes will keep coming to that neighborhood.

They also noted that although coyotes are typically shy animals, they can be emboldened by actions like feeding and become more aggressive. Feeding wild animals is also illegal in Rhode Island as is relocating any wildlife on your own.

RIDEM and Warwick police agree that avoiding these coyotes as they figure out where and how to hunt is the best bet. They also suggest removing things that may attract wildlife, like open garage cans, compost piles and pet food, from your yard to prevent coyotes from coming around in the first place.

Residents that see these coyotes are asked to only contact police if you witness a change in their behavior, such as approaching humans.

Eastern coyote population have been on the rise in New England, with Massachusetts numbers seeing a recent explosion as well. Southcoast residents could see young coyotes in their neighborhoods too with the arrival of warmer weather.