Coyotes are showing up more frequently on Long Island, a place they haven’t fully inhabited in the U.S.
This year, at least five breeding pairs of these non-native animals were found in northwestern Nassau County, as noted by Michael Bottini from the Seatok Environmental Association.
“They’re actually quite adept swimmers, which likely explains how they’re making their way over to Long Island, especially given its proximity to the Bronx,” Bottini mentioned, recalling that they were rescued from the East River a couple of years back.
The coyotes might be taking advantage of existing transport routes as they move eastward, perhaps utilizing the extensive railway intersections.
While isolated sightings occurred in areas such as the Neighborhood Queen and the Hamptons during the late 2000s and early 2010s, a notable incident in 2016 proved significant for the species’ presence here.
A breeding pair with eight puppies emerged near the employee parking area of Queens’ LaGuardia Airport, which, according to Bottini, benefits from a sizable rat population. “That’s a lot of food for them,” he remarked. “Having eight puppies can really reflect the resources available to them in the area.”
Employees began to notice those adorable coyote pups, and some even started feeding them, which ultimately led to the coyotes losing their natural fear of humans.
Unfortunately, this situation took a turn for the worse. “It became dangerous,” Bottini recounted, prompting the Port Authority to capture and cull nearly all of the 11 coyotes, leaving just one to survive.
The last survivors made their way east towards Nassau County, and fast forward a few years—by 2021, four puppies and breeding pairs were spotted in Manhasset, growing their population gradually since then.
Where Coyotes Have Been Seen on Long Island
Along with the Gold Coast, various sightings of coyotes have popped up in Suffolk County, particularly around the Hamptons, as illustrated by a map from the Long Island Mammal Survey.
There’s also been a lone coyote reported on Fire Island for several years. Not far away, Fisher’s Island, located just south of Connecticut, has also seen coyotes swimming over from the mainland.
Nonetheless, Bottini cautioned against jumping to conclusions based on increased doorbell camera footage. “That doesn’t necessarily indicate more coyotes; it just shows we’re seeing them on camera for the first time,” he explained.
He further added, “It could be the same individual seen repeatedly,” mentioning sightings specifically in Southampton and Watermill.
Bottini emphasized that larger carnivores like coyotes seldom pose a threat to humans, pointing out that instinct typically guides their behavior in such encounters.
Still, he advised caution around pets, suggesting that it’s wise to keep them at a distance when a coyote is nearby.
“Maintaining their natural fear of humans is crucial, and feeding them only undermines that,” he cautioned. “It’s important to protect the wildlife.”
