In Ten Days, Five Coyote Sightings in New Canaan

In the first ten days of August five coyote sightings  have been reported to New Canaan's Animal Control Officer and Park Ranger, Maryann Kleinschmidtt.  That's the same number that was reported thoughout the month of July.

"These are just what we're sighting," Kleinschmidtt said. "These guys are roaming around frequently."

Kleinschmidtt says homeowners can take some precautions to lessen the likelihood of a coyote showing up in their yards.

"There are things you can do to keep coyotes away," she said.  "Don't leave food outside.  And most importantly, don't leave your dog out there at night."

In 2009, three dogs were killed by coyotes.  "All three were killed between 9:30 and 11:00 at night," Kleinschmidt said. " An invisible fence isn't enough.  Dogs should be leashed at night.  A coyote will not approach if a person is that cose."  There have been no reports of any dogs being killed so far in 2010.

"Over the last five years we've seen an increase of coyotes attacking larger dogs.  They've attacked Labs.  The dogs survive, but the fact is the coyotes are attacking larger dogs. I no longer say you don't have to worry if your dog is over 30 pounds.  Do not leave even larger dogs outside unattended at night."

Following are the sightings reported to Animal Control between June 23 and August 11.  Except where otherwise noted, all sightings were of a single animal.

June 23:  Canoe Hill Road

June 26: Buttery Road

June 30: Mariomi Road

July 3:  Thayer Drive

July 7:   Benedict Hill Road

July 10:  Old Stamford Road (two sighted)

July 23: Benedict Hill Road  (adult and pup sighted)

July 26:  Running Brook Lane 

August 6:  Springwater Lane

August 6:  West Road

August 6:  Silvermine Road

August 7: Hoyt Farm Road

August 10:  White Birch Road

Report coyote sightings to 203-594-3510.  Be sure to include your name and address in your report.